1960 Abarth 850 vs. 1996 BMW 525
To start off, 1996 BMW 525 is newer by 36 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 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 525 (168 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 1960 Abarth 850. (51 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1960 Abarth 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 525 weights approximately 940 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, 1996 BMW 525 (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 175 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Abarth 850. (70 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 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 | 1996 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Abarth | BMW |
| Model | 850 | 525 |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 850 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 70 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3600 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 67 L |
