1959 Abarth 850 vs. 1959 BMW 503
To start off, both 1959 Abarth 850 and 1959 BMW 503 were released in the same year (1959). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 3,168 cc (8 cylinders), 1959 BMW 503 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 BMW 503 (139 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 850. (70 HP @ 6800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1959 BMW 503 should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 BMW 503 weights approximately 930 kg more than 1959 Abarth 850. 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, 1959 BMW 503 (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 142 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 850. (80 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1959 BMW 503 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 850 | 1959 BMW 503 | |
| Make | Abarth | BMW |
| Model | 850 | 503 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 3168 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 215 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 L | 75 L |
