1959 Abarth 850 vs. 1978 AMC Pacer
To start off, 1978 AMC Pacer is newer by 19 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 4,228 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 AMC Pacer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 AMC Pacer (110 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 850. (70 HP @ 6800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 AMC Pacer should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 AMC Pacer weights approximately 798 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, 1978 AMC Pacer (265 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 185 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 850. (80 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1978 AMC Pacer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 850. 1978 AMC Pacer 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. 1978 AMC Pacer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 850 | 1978 AMC Pacer | |
| Make | Abarth | AMC |
| Model | 850 | Pacer |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 4228 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 265 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 1368 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 L | 83 L |
