1959 Abarth 850 vs. 1974 Datsun 260Z
To start off, 1974 Datsun 260Z 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 2,565 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Datsun 260Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Datsun 260Z (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 850. (70 HP @ 6800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Datsun 260Z should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Datsun 260Z weights approximately 630 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 Datsun 260Z (213 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 850. (80 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1974 Datsun 260Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 850 | 1974 Datsun 260Z | |
| Make | Abarth | Datsun |
| Model | 850 | 260Z |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 2565 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 213 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2581 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 L | 60 L |
