1959 Abarth 850 vs. 1973 Volkswagen 1600
To start off, 1973 Volkswagen 1600 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 1,584 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Volkswagen 1600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Abarth 850 (70 HP) has 17 more horse power than 1973 Volkswagen 1600. (53 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Abarth 850 should accelerate faster than 1973 Volkswagen 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Volkswagen 1600 weights approximately 465 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, 1973 Volkswagen 1600 (110 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 850. (80 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1973 Volkswagen 1600 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 850 | 1973 Volkswagen 1600 | |
| Make | Abarth | Volkswagen |
| Model | 850 | 1600 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 53 HP |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 1035 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 L | 40 L |
