1959 Abarth 850 vs. 1971 Plymouth Barracuda
To start off, 1971 Plymouth Barracuda is newer by 12 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 3,250 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Plymouth Barracuda is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Plymouth Barracuda (102 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 850. (70 HP @ 6800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Plymouth Barracuda should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Plymouth Barracuda weights approximately 835 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, 1971 Plymouth Barracuda (217 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 850. (80 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1971 Plymouth Barracuda will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 850 | 1971 Plymouth Barracuda | |
| Make | Abarth | Plymouth |
| Model | 850 | Barracuda |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 3250 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 1405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2760 mm |
