1959 Abarth 850 vs. 1998 Acura EL
To start off, 1998 Acura EL is newer by 39 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 1,600 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Acura EL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Acura EL (127 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 850. (70 HP @ 6800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Acura EL should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Acura EL weights approximately 509 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.
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, 1998 Acura EL, 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, 1998 Acura EL (145 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 850. (80 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1998 Acura EL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 850 | 1998 Acura EL | |
| Make | Abarth | Acura |
| Model | 850 | EL |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 127 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 1079 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 4478 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1704 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1394 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2619 mm |
