1958 Abarth 600 vs. 1963 BMW 1800
To start off, 1963 BMW 1800 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Abarth 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Abarth 600 would be higher. At 1,766 cc (4 cylinders), 1963 BMW 1800 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 BMW 1800 (90 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1958 Abarth 600. (41 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1963 BMW 1800 should accelerate faster than 1958 Abarth 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 BMW 1800 weights approximately 515 kg more than 1958 Abarth 600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1963 BMW 1800 (144 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Abarth 600. (54 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1963 BMW 1800 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Abarth 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Abarth 600 | 1963 BMW 1800 | |
| Make | Abarth | BMW |
| Model | 600 | 1800 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1963 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 747 cc | 1766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 144 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2560 mm |
