1960 Abarth 850 vs. 1961 Fiat 1500
To start off, 1961 Fiat 1500 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Abarth 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Abarth 850 would be higher. At 1,221 cc (4 cylinders), 1961 Fiat 1500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Fiat 1500 (57 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1960 Abarth 850. (51 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1961 Fiat 1500 should accelerate faster than 1960 Abarth 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Fiat 1500 weights approximately 335 kg more than 1960 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, 1961 Fiat 1500 (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Abarth 850. (70 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1961 Fiat 1500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Abarth 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Abarth 850 | 1961 Fiat 1500 | |
| Make | Abarth | Fiat |
| Model | 850 | 1500 |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1961 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 850 cc | 1221 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 57 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 70 Nm | 83 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 905 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3600 mm | 4040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2350 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 37 L |
