1959 Abarth 850 vs. 2008 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Polo 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 1,390 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Polo (85 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 850. (70 HP @ 6800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 542 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, 2008 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 2008 Volkswagen Polo (131 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 850. (80 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 850 | 2008 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Abarth | Volkswagen |
| Model | 850 | Polo |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 131 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 178 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 1112 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 L | 45 L |
