1959 Abarth 850 vs. 1983 Pontiac Phoenix
To start off, 1983 Pontiac Phoenix 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 2,474 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Pontiac Phoenix is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Pontiac Phoenix (90 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 850. (70 HP @ 6800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Pontiac Phoenix should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Pontiac Phoenix weights approximately 530 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.
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 Pontiac Phoenix, 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, 1983 Pontiac Phoenix (181 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 850. (80 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1983 Pontiac Phoenix will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 850 | 1983 Pontiac Phoenix | |
| Make | Abarth | Pontiac |
| Model | 850 | Phoenix |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 2474 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2670 mm |
