1959 Abarth 850 vs. 1969 Saab Sonett
To start off, 1969 Saab Sonett 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 1,498 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 Saab Sonett is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Abarth 850 (70 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1969 Saab Sonett. (64 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Abarth 850 should accelerate faster than 1969 Saab Sonett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Saab Sonett weights approximately 205 kg more than 1959 Abarth 850.
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 Saab Sonett, 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 Saab Sonett (116 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 850. (80 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1969 Saab Sonett will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 850 | 1969 Saab Sonett | |
| Make | Abarth | Saab |
| Model | 850 | Sonett |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 775 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2160 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 L | 60 L |
