1959 Abarth 850 vs. 1972 Volvo 145
To start off, 1972 Volvo 145 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 1,778 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Volvo 145 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Volvo 145 (102 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 850. (70 HP @ 6800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Volvo 145 should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Volvo 145 weights approximately 720 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 Volvo 145 (152 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 850. (80 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1972 Volvo 145 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 850 | 1972 Volvo 145 | |
| Make | Abarth | Volvo |
| Model | 850 | 145 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 1778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2620 mm |
