1959 Abarth 850 vs. 1988 Fiat Tipo
To start off, 1988 Fiat Tipo is newer by 29 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 1,372 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Fiat Tipo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Fiat Tipo (72 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 850. (70 HP @ 6800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Fiat Tipo should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Fiat Tipo weights approximately 375 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, 1988 Fiat Tipo, 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, 1988 Fiat Tipo (109 Nm @ 2900 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 850. (80 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1988 Fiat Tipo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 850 | 1988 Fiat Tipo | |
| Make | Abarth | Fiat |
| Model | 850 | Tipo |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 1372 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 109 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 160 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2660 mm |
