1959 Abarth 850 vs. 1989 Renault 21
To start off, 1989 Renault 21 is newer by 30 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), 1989 Renault 21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Renault 21 (75 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 850. (70 HP @ 6800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Renault 21 should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Renault 21 weights approximately 450 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, 1989 Renault 21, 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, 1989 Renault 21 (129 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 850. (80 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1989 Renault 21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 850.
Compare all specifications:
1959 Abarth 850 | 1989 Renault 21 | |
Make | Abarth | Renault |
Model | 850 | 21 |
Year Released | 1959 | 1989 |
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 | 75 HP |
Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 80 Nm | 129 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3250 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.2:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 1020 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 4650 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1430 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2820 mm |