1960 Abarth 850 vs. 1998 Alfa Romeo 166
To start off, 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 38 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 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 (155 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1960 Abarth 850. (51 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 1960 Abarth 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 925 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, 1998 Alfa Romeo 166, 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, 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 (187 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Abarth 850. (70 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Abarth 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Abarth 850 | 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 | |
| Make | Abarth | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 850 | 166 |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 850 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 155 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 70 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3600 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 72 L |
