1960 Abarth 850 vs. 1988 BMW 524
To start off, 1988 BMW 524 is newer by 28 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 2,493 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 524 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 524 (113 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1960 Abarth 850. (51 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 524 should accelerate faster than 1960 Abarth 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 524 weights approximately 785 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, 1988 BMW 524 (210 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Abarth 850. (70 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 524 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Abarth 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Abarth 850 | 1988 BMW 524 | |
| Make | Abarth | BMW |
| Model | 850 | 524 |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 850 cc | 2493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 70 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 1355 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3600 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2770 mm |
