1960 Abarth 850 vs. 2003 BMW 520
To start off, 2003 BMW 520 is newer by 43 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 2,170 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 520 (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1960 Abarth 850. (51 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1960 Abarth 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 520 weights approximately 1100 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, 2003 BMW 520 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Abarth 850. (70 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Abarth 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Abarth 850 | 2003 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Abarth | BMW |
| Model | 850 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1960 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 850 cc | 2170 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 70 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.7:1 |
| 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 | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3600 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 70 L |
