1960 Abarth 850 vs. 1989 Saab 9000
To start off, 1989 Saab 9000 is newer by 29 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 2,290 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Saab 9000 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Saab 9000 (150 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1960 Abarth 850. (51 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Saab 9000 should accelerate faster than 1960 Abarth 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Saab 9000 weights approximately 755 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, 1989 Saab 9000, 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, 1989 Saab 9000 (216 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 146 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Abarth 850. (70 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1989 Saab 9000 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Abarth 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Abarth 850 | 1989 Saab 9000 | |
| Make | Abarth | Saab |
| Model | 850 | 9000 |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 850 cc | 2290 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 70 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.1:1 |
| 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 | 1325 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3600 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 38 L |
