1959 Abarth 850 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 423 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 850. (70 HP @ 6800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1470 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 Mercedes-Benz SL (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 720 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 850. (80 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 850. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL 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. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 850 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Abarth | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 850 | SL |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 2040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 L | 80 L |
