1959 Abarth 850 vs. 1998 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 1998 Mercury Tracer 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 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mercury Tracer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercury Tracer (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 850. (70 HP @ 6800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercury Tracer should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercury Tracer weights approximately 570 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 Mercury Tracer, 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 Mercury Tracer (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 850. (80 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1998 Mercury Tracer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 850 | 1998 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | Abarth | Mercury |
| Model | 850 | Tracer |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2510 mm |
