1961 Fiat 850 vs. 1978 Talbot Horizon
To start off, 1978 Talbot Horizon is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Fiat 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Fiat 850 would be higher. At 1,118 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Talbot Horizon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Talbot Horizon (57 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1961 Fiat 850. (51 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Talbot Horizon should accelerate faster than 1961 Fiat 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Talbot Horizon weights approximately 332 kg more than 1961 Fiat 850. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 Fiat 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 1961 Fiat 850. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Talbot Horizon, 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, 1978 Talbot Horizon (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Fiat 850. (69 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1978 Talbot Horizon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Fiat 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Fiat 850 | 1978 Talbot Horizon | |
| Make | Fiat | Talbot |
| Model | 850 | Horizon |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 1118 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 57 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 69 Nm | 91 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 613 kg | 945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3290 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 47 L |
