1959 Abarth 850 vs. 1998 Mazda 323
To start off, 1998 Mazda 323 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 1,498 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mazda 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mazda 323 (88 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 850. (70 HP @ 6800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda 323 should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mazda 323 weights approximately 535 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 Mazda 323, 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 Mazda 323 (134 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 850. (80 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1998 Mazda 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 850. 1998 Mazda 323 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. 1998 Mazda 323 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 850 | 1998 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Abarth | Mazda |
| Model | 850 | 323 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 88 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 L | 55 L |
