1959 Abarth 850 vs. 1969 Austin Maxi
To start off, 1969 Austin Maxi is newer by 10 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 1,748 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 Austin Maxi is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Austin Maxi (71 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 850. (70 HP @ 6800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Austin Maxi should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Austin Maxi weights approximately 430 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.
Because 1959 Abarth 850 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1959 Abarth 850. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1969 Austin Maxi, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1969 Austin Maxi (144 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 850. (80 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1969 Austin Maxi will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 850 | 1969 Austin Maxi | |
| Make | Abarth | Austin |
| Model | 850 | Maxi |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 1748 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 144 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 L | 45 L |
