1959 Abarth 850 vs. 1996 AC Cobra
To start off, 1996 AC Cobra is newer by 37 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 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 AC Cobra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 AC Cobra (365 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 295 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 850. (70 HP @ 6800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 AC Cobra weights approximately 456 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, 1996 AC Cobra (579 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 499 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 850. (80 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1996 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 850 | 1996 AC Cobra | |
| Make | Abarth | AC |
| Model | 850 | Cobra |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 365 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 579 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 1026 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2300 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 L | 90 L |
