1959 Abarth 850 vs. 1989 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1989 Volkswagen Polo 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 1,041 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Abarth 850 (70 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1989 Volkswagen Polo. (44 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Abarth 850 should accelerate faster than 1989 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 200 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, 1989 Volkswagen Polo, 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 Volkswagen Polo (95 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 850. (80 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1989 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 850 | 1989 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Abarth | Volkswagen |
| Model | 850 | Polo |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 1041 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 770 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2340 mm |
