1959 Abarth 850 vs. 1972 Opel Rekord
To start off, 1972 Opel Rekord 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 1,698 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Opel Rekord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Abarth 850 (70 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1972 Opel Rekord. (66 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Abarth 850 should accelerate faster than 1972 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Opel Rekord weights approximately 495 kg more than 1959 Abarth 850.
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 Opel Rekord (120 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 850. (80 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1972 Opel Rekord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 850 | 1972 Opel Rekord | |
| Make | Abarth | Opel |
| Model | 850 | Rekord |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 1698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 66 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 120 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 1065 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2680 mm |
