1959 Abarth 850 vs. 2008 BMW 320
To start off, 2008 BMW 320 is newer by 49 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 2,171 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 320 (168 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 850. (70 HP @ 6800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 320 weights approximately 1050 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, 2008 BMW 320 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 850. (80 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 850 | 2008 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Abarth | BMW |
| Model | 850 | 320 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 2171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 222 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 | 1620 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 L | 63 L |
