1959 Abarth 850 vs. 1974 AC 428
To start off, 1974 AC 428 is newer by 15 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 7,003 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 AC 428 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 AC 428 (298 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 228 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 850. (70 HP @ 6800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 AC 428 should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 AC 428 weights approximately 860 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, 1974 AC 428 (639 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 559 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 850. (80 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1974 AC 428 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 850. 1974 AC 428 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. 1974 AC 428 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 850 | 1974 AC 428 | |
| Make | Abarth | AC |
| Model | 850 | 428 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 7003 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 298 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 639 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2450 mm |
