1959 Abarth 850 vs. 1978 Renault 14
To start off, 1978 Renault 14 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 1,218 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Renault 14 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Abarth 850 (70 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1978 Renault 14. (57 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Abarth 850 should accelerate faster than 1978 Renault 14. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Renault 14 weights approximately 300 kg more than 1959 Abarth 850.
Because 1959 Abarth 850 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1959 Abarth 850. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Renault 14, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Renault 14 (92 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 850. (80 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1978 Renault 14 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 850 | 1978 Renault 14 | |
| Make | Abarth | Renault |
| Model | 850 | 14 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 1218 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 57 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 L | 48 L |
