1959 Abarth 850 vs. 1992 BMW 540
To start off, 1992 BMW 540 is newer by 33 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 3,980 cc (8 cylinders), 1992 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 212 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 850. (70 HP @ 6800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 540 weights approximately 1080 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, 1992 BMW 540 (400 Nm @ 5100 RPM) has 320 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 850. (80 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1992 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 850 | 1992 BMW 540 | |
| Make | Abarth | BMW |
| Model | 850 | 540 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1992 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 3980 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 1650 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 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 L | 65 L |
