1960 Abarth 850 vs. 2008 BMW 550
To start off, 2008 BMW 550 is newer by 48 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 4,799 cc, 2008 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 550 (360 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 309 more horse power than 1960 Abarth 850. (51 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1960 Abarth 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 550 weights approximately 1090 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, 2008 BMW 550 (490 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 420 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Abarth 850. (70 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Abarth 850. 2008 BMW 550 has automatic transmission and 1960 Abarth 850 has manual transmission. 1960 Abarth 850 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW 550 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Abarth 850 | 2008 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Abarth | BMW |
| Model | 850 | 550 |
| Year Released | 1960 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 850 cc | 4799 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 360 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 70 Nm | 490 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3600 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 70 L |
