1959 Abarth 850 vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 1981 Volkswagen Santana is newer by 22 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 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volkswagen Santana is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Abarth 850 (70 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (53 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Abarth 850 should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volkswagen Santana weights approximately 455 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, 1981 Volkswagen Santana, 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, 1981 Volkswagen Santana (100 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 850. (80 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1981 Volkswagen Santana will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 850.
Compare all specifications:
1959 Abarth 850 | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
Make | Abarth | Volkswagen |
Model | 850 | Santana |
Year Released | 1959 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Rear | Front |
Engine Size | 847 cc | 1588 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 70 HP | 53 HP |
Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
Torque | 80 Nm | 100 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2300 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 23.0:1 |
Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 140 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 1025 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 4550 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1410 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2560 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 L | 60 L |