1961 Abarth 600 vs. 1994 Volvo 850
To start off, 1994 Volvo 850 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Abarth 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Abarth 600 would be higher. At 1,984 cc (5 cylinders), 1994 Volvo 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Volvo 850 (209 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1961 Abarth 600. (47 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 Volvo 850 should accelerate faster than 1961 Abarth 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Volvo 850 weights approximately 805 kg more than 1961 Abarth 600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 Abarth 600 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 1961 Abarth 600. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1994 Volvo 850, 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, 1994 Volvo 850 (300 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 234 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Abarth 600. (66 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1994 Volvo 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Abarth 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Abarth 600 | 1994 Volvo 850 | |
| Make | Abarth | Volvo |
| Model | 600 | 850 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1994 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 209 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 66 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 595 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2670 mm |
