1960 Abarth 850 vs. 1971 BMW 3
To start off, 1971 BMW 3 is newer by 11 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 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 BMW 3 (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 149 more horse power than 1960 Abarth 850. (51 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1960 Abarth 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 BMW 3 weights approximately 810 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, 1971 BMW 3 (271 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 201 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Abarth 850. (70 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1971 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Abarth 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Abarth 850 | 1971 BMW 3 | |
| Make | Abarth | BMW |
| Model | 850 | 3 |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 850 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 70 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3600 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 75 L |
