1960 Abarth 850 vs. 2012 BMW 520
To start off, 2012 BMW 520 is newer by 52 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 1960 Abarth 850. (51 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1960 Abarth 850.
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, 2012 BMW 520 (380 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 310 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Abarth 850. (70 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Abarth 850. 2012 BMW 520 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. 2012 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Abarth 850 | 2012 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Abarth | BMW |
| Model | 850 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1960 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 850 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 70 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3600 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 70 L |
