1959 Abarth 850 vs. 1991 BMW 518
To start off, 1991 BMW 518 is newer by 32 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 1,766 cc (4 cylinders), 1991 BMW 518 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 BMW 518 (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 850. (70 HP @ 6800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 BMW 518 should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 BMW 518 weights approximately 590 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1991 BMW 518 (165 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 850. (80 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1991 BMW 518 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 850 | 1991 BMW 518 | |
| Make | Abarth | BMW |
| Model | 850 | 518 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 1766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2770 mm |
