1959 Abarth 850 vs. 1988 Renault 19
To start off, 1988 Renault 19 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 1,763 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Renault 19 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Renault 19 (140 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 850. (70 HP @ 6800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Renault 19 should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Renault 19 weights approximately 482 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 Renault 19, 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 Renault 19 (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 850. (80 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1988 Renault 19 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 850 | 1988 Renault 19 | |
| Make | Abarth | Renault |
| Model | 850 | 19 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 1763 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 161 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4250 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 | 1052 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2560 mm |
