1959 Abarth 850 vs. 1992 Vauxhall Nova
To start off, 1992 Vauxhall Nova 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 993 cc (4 cylinders), 1992 Vauxhall Nova is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Abarth 850 (70 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1992 Vauxhall Nova. (44 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Abarth 850 should accelerate faster than 1992 Vauxhall Nova. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 Vauxhall Nova weights approximately 170 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, 1992 Vauxhall Nova, 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, 1959 Abarth 850 (80 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 Vauxhall Nova. (68 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1959 Abarth 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 Vauxhall Nova.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 850 | 1992 Vauxhall Nova | |
| Make | Abarth | Vauxhall |
| Model | 850 | Nova |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1992 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 68 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2350 mm |
