Germany vs Italy — 1959 vs 1957
| 1000 SP Roadster | Appia GTE Zagato | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 55 hp | 60 hp |
| Torque | 61 lb-ft | 59 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 981 cc | 1,090 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 21.0 sec | 15.0 sec |
| Top Speed | 90 mph | 96 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 23.5 sec | — |
| Weight | 1,808 lbs | 1,720 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,200 mm | 2,510 mm |
| Length | 4,200 mm | 3,930 mm |
| Units Produced | 6,640 | 200 |
| Value (Excellent) | $65,000 | $200,000 |
| Collectibility | 8/10 | 8/10 |
| Rarity | 8/10 | 8/10 |
The 1957 Lancia Appia GTE Zagato emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering quicker acceleration, higher top speed, greater rarity. The 1959 Auto Union 1000 SP Roadster counters with better value, but the numbers favor its rival. Still, both are remarkable machines, and the final choice often comes down to which driving experience speaks to you.
Putting the 1959 Auto Union 1000 SP Roadster against the 1957 Lancia Appia GTE Zagato is a comparison that enthusiasts have debated for decades. Each car reflects distinct design philosophies shaped by different automotive cultures — Germany versus Italy. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1959 Auto Union 1000 SP Roadster producing 55 hp and the 1957 Lancia Appia GTE Zagato delivering 60 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Auto Union 1000 SP uses a Inline-3 2-stroke displacing 981 cc, while the Lancia Appia relies on a V4 OHV with 1,090 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1957 Lancia Appia GTE Zagato edges ahead at 15.0 seconds versus 21.0 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 200 units built, the 1957 Lancia Appia GTE Zagato is considerably scarcer than the Auto Union 1000 SP's 6,640 examples. On the collector market, the 1957 Lancia Appia GTE Zagato commands a significant premium over the 1959 Auto Union 1000 SP Roadster, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.