1959 Abarth 850 vs. 1985 Renault 18
To start off, 1985 Renault 18 is newer by 26 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 1,395 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Renault 18 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Abarth 850 (70 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1985 Renault 18. (63 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Abarth 850 should accelerate faster than 1985 Renault 18. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Renault 18 weights approximately 415 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, 1985 Renault 18, 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, 1985 Renault 18 (103 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 850. (80 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1985 Renault 18 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 850 | 1985 Renault 18 | |
| Make | Abarth | Renault |
| Model | 850 | 18 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 1395 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 63 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 985 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 L | 60 L |
