1959 Abarth 850 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S 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 3,199 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (228 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 158 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 850. (70 HP @ 6800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1326 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 Mercedes-Benz S (315 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 235 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 850. (80 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 850. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1959 Abarth 850 has manual transmission. 1959 Abarth 850 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 850 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Abarth | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 850 | S |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 3199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 1896 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 L | 70 L |
