1959 Abarth 850 vs. 1988 Renault 5
To start off, 1988 Renault 5 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 1,721 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Renault 5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Renault 5 (95 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 850. (70 HP @ 6800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Renault 5 should accelerate faster 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, 1988 Renault 5, 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 5 (143 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 850. (80 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1988 Renault 5 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 5 | |
| Make | Abarth | Renault |
| Model | 850 | 5 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 1721 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 95 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 143 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 3600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2420 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 L | 50 L |
