1959 Abarth 850 vs. 1970 Saab Sonett III
To start off, 1970 Saab Sonett III is newer by 11 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), 1970 Saab Sonett III is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Abarth 850 (70 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1970 Saab Sonett III. (64 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Abarth 850 should accelerate faster than 1970 Saab Sonett III. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Saab Sonett III weights approximately 230 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, 1970 Saab Sonett III, 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, 1970 Saab Sonett III (115 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 850. (80 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1970 Saab Sonett III will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 850.
Compare all specifications:
1959 Abarth 850 | 1970 Saab Sonett III | |
Make | Abarth | Saab |
Model | 850 | Sonett III |
Year Released | 1959 | 1970 |
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 | 115 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 161 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 800 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 3910 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1510 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1200 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2160 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 L | 60 L |