1959 Abarth 850 vs. 1981 Volvo 343
To start off, 1981 Volvo 343 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 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volvo 343 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Volvo 343 (117 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 850. (70 HP @ 6800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volvo 343 should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 850.
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, 1981 Volvo 343 (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 850. (80 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1981 Volvo 343 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 850 | 1981 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Abarth | Volvo |
| Model | 850 | 343 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 117 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1400 mm |
