1960 Abarth 850 vs. 1974 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1974 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 14 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 4,520 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Mercedes-Benz S (223 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 172 more horse power than 1960 Abarth 850. (51 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1960 Abarth 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1160 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, 1974 Mercedes-Benz S (378 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 308 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Abarth 850. (70 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1974 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Abarth 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Abarth 850 | 1974 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Abarth | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 850 | S |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 850 cc | 4520 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 223 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 70 Nm | 378 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 1730 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3600 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2870 mm |
