1959 Abarth 850 vs. 2005 BMW M3
To start off, 2005 BMW M3 is newer by 46 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 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW M3 (323 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 253 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 850. (70 HP @ 6800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW M3 weights approximately 1130 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, 2005 BMW M3 (372 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 292 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 850. (80 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2005 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 850 | 2005 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Abarth | BMW |
| Model | 850 | M3 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 3246 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 323 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 7900 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 372 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 L | 63 L |
