1959 Abarth 850 vs. 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500
To start off, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 is newer by 50 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 5,409 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 (500 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 430 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 850. (70 HP @ 6800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 weights approximately 402 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, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 (651 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 571 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 850. (80 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 850 | 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 | |
| Make | Abarth | Ford |
| Model | 850 | Shelby GT 500 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 5409 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 500 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 651 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 972 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 L | 61 L |
