1959 Abarth 850 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 53 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 2,987 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (254 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 184 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 850. (70 HP @ 6800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 850.
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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (620 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 540 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 850. (80 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 850. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 850 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Abarth | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 850 | S |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 254 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 620 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 155 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 5226 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 3165 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 L | 90 L |
