1959 Abarth 850 vs. 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE
To start off, 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Abarth 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Abarth 850 would be higher. At 2,193 cc (6 cylinders), 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE (118 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 850. (70 HP @ 6800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE weights approximately 805 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, 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE (189 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 850. (80 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 850 | 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE | |
| Make | Abarth | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 850 | SE |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 2193 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 189 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 L | 100 L |
