1959 Abarth 850 vs. 1983 Ford Fiesta
To start off, 1983 Ford Fiesta is newer by 24 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 957 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Ford Fiesta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Abarth 850 (70 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1983 Ford Fiesta. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Abarth 850 should accelerate faster than 1983 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Ford Fiesta weights approximately 145 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, 1983 Ford Fiesta, 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, 1959 Abarth 850 (80 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Ford Fiesta. (64 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1959 Abarth 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 850 | 1983 Ford Fiesta | |
| Make | Abarth | Ford |
| Model | 850 | Fiesta |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 957 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 64 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 3570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2300 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 L | 34 L |
