1959 Abarth 850 vs. 1987 Ford Laser
To start off, 1987 Ford Laser 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 1,296 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Ford Laser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Abarth 850 (70 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1987 Ford Laser. (66 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Abarth 850 should accelerate faster than 1987 Ford Laser. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Ford Laser weights approximately 230 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, 1987 Ford Laser, 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 Ford Laser (94 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 850. (80 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1987 Ford Laser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 850. 1987 Ford Laser has automatic transmission and 1959 Abarth 850 has manual transmission. 1959 Abarth 850 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1987 Ford Laser will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 850 | 1987 Ford Laser | |
| Make | Abarth | Ford |
| Model | 850 | Laser |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 1296 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 66 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2410 mm |
