1961 Abarth 700 vs. 1998 BMW 317
To start off, 1998 BMW 317 is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Abarth 700. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Abarth 700 would be higher. At 1,665 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 BMW 317 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 317 (89 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1961 Abarth 700. (63 HP @ 7600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 317 should accelerate faster than 1961 Abarth 700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 317 weights approximately 785 kg more than 1961 Abarth 700. 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, 1998 BMW 317 (190 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Abarth 700. (69 Nm @ 5800 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 317 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Abarth 700.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Abarth 700 | 1998 BMW 317 | |
| Make | Abarth | BMW |
| Model | 700 | 317 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 696 cc | 1665 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 63 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 69 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 1355 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2730 mm |
