1959 Abarth 850 vs. 1987 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 1987 Mazda RX-7 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 2,616 cc, 1987 Mazda RX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Mazda RX-7 (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 850. (70 HP @ 6800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Mazda RX-7 weights approximately 660 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, 1987 Mazda RX-7 (186 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 850. (80 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1987 Mazda RX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 850 | 1987 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | Abarth | Mazda |
| Model | 850 | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2440 mm |
