1959 Abarth 850 vs. 1985 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1985 Volkswagen Golf 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 1,272 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Abarth 850 (70 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1985 Volkswagen Golf. (54 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Abarth 850 should accelerate faster than 1985 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 260 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 Volkswagen Golf, 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 Volkswagen Golf (96 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 850. (80 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1985 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 850 | 1985 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Abarth | Volkswagen |
| Model | 850 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 54 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| 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 | 830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 L | 55 L |
