1959 Abarth 850 vs. 1984 BMW 323
To start off, 1984 BMW 323 is newer by 25 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 2,314 cc (6 cylinders), 1984 BMW 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 BMW 323 (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 850. (70 HP @ 6800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 BMW 323 should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 BMW 323 weights approximately 520 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.
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, 1984 BMW 323 (205 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 850. (80 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1984 BMW 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 850 | 1984 BMW 323 | |
| Make | Abarth | BMW |
| Model | 850 | 323 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 2314 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2580 mm |
