1959 Abarth 850 vs. 1987 Alfa Romeo 164
To start off, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 is newer by 28 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 2,492 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 (123 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 850. (70 HP @ 6800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 weights approximately 920 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, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164, 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, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 (294 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 214 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 850. (80 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 850 | 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 | |
| Make | Abarth | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 850 | 164 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 2492 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 294 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 197 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 L | 70 L |
