1959 Abarth 850 vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 is newer by 14 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 2,778 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (170 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 850. (70 HP @ 6800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 725 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, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 850. (80 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 850 | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Abarth | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 850 | 280 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 2778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 1295 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 L | 64 L |
