1959 Abarth 850 vs. 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450
To start off, 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 is newer by 13 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 4,519 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 (217 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 147 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 850. (70 HP @ 6800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 weights approximately 1060 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, 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 (359 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 279 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 850. (80 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 850. 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 has automatic transmission and 1959 Abarth 850 has manual transmission. 1959 Abarth 850 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 850 | 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 | |
| Make | Abarth | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 850 | 450 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 4519 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 359 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 L | 90 L |
