1959 Abarth 850 vs. 1998 Volvo S40
To start off, 1998 Volvo S40 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 1,948 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Volvo S40 (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 850. (70 HP @ 6800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Volvo S40 weights approximately 1083 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 Volvo S40, 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 Volvo S40 (299 Nm) has 219 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 850. (80 Nm). This means 1998 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 850 | 1998 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Abarth | Volvo |
| Model | 850 | S40 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 1948 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 299 Nm |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 1653 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2570 mm |
