1959 Abarth 850 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta 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 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 850. (70 HP @ 6800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 830 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, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 850. (80 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 850. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta 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 Volkswagen Jetta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 850 | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Abarth | Volkswagen |
| Model | 850 | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 4644 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1482 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2651 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 L | 55 L |
