1960 Abarth 850 vs. 1974 Volkswagen K 70
To start off, 1974 Volkswagen K 70 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 1,605 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Volkswagen K 70 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Volkswagen K 70 (75 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1960 Abarth 850. (51 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Volkswagen K 70 should accelerate faster than 1960 Abarth 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Volkswagen K 70 weights approximately 480 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.
Because 1960 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 1960 Abarth 850. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Volkswagen K 70, 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, 1974 Volkswagen K 70 (123 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Abarth 850. (70 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1974 Volkswagen K 70 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Abarth 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Abarth 850 | 1974 Volkswagen K 70 | |
| Make | Abarth | Volkswagen |
| Model | 850 | K 70 |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 850 cc | 1605 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 70 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3600 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 45 L |
