1959 Abarth 850 vs. 1977 Volvo 260
To start off, 1977 Volvo 260 is newer by 18 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 2,662 cc (6 cylinders), 1977 Volvo 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Volvo 260 (146 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 850. (70 HP @ 6800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Volvo 260 should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Volvo 260 weights approximately 780 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, 1977 Volvo 260 (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 850. (80 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1977 Volvo 260 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 850. 1977 Volvo 260 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. 1977 Volvo 260 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 850 | 1977 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Abarth | Volvo |
| Model | 850 | 260 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 2662 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2660 mm |
