1959 Abarth 850 vs. 2008 Volvo S40
To start off, 2008 Volvo S40 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 2,435 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volvo S40 (169 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 850. (70 HP @ 6800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volvo S40 weights approximately 769 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 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, 2008 Volvo S40 (230 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 850. (80 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2008 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 850. 2008 Volvo S40 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. 2008 Volvo S40 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 850 | 2008 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Abarth | Volvo |
| Model | 850 | S40 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 2435 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 169 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 215 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 1339 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 L | 62 L |
