1959 Abarth 850 vs. 1987 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 1987 Volkswagen Jetta 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 1,272 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Abarth 850 (70 HP) has 17 more horse power than 1987 Volkswagen Jetta. (53 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Abarth 850 should accelerate faster than 1987 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 305 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 Volkswagen Jetta, 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 Volkswagen Jetta (97 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 850. (80 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1987 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 850 | 1987 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Abarth | Volkswagen |
| Model | 850 | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1987 |
| 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 | 53 HP |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 97 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| 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 | 875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2480 mm |
