1960 Abarth 850 vs. 1981 BMW 525
To start off, 1981 BMW 525 is newer by 21 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 2,495 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 525 (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1960 Abarth 850. (51 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1960 Abarth 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 525 weights approximately 710 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, 1981 BMW 525 (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Abarth 850. (70 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Abarth 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Abarth 850 | 1981 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Abarth | BMW |
| Model | 850 | 525 |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 850 cc | 2495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 70 Nm | 215 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69 mm | 71.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.6:1 |
| 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 | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3600 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 70 L |
