1979 Citroen CX vs. 1961 Fiat 850
To start off, 1979 Citroen CX is newer by 18 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 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Citroen CX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Citroen CX (101 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1961 Fiat 850. (51 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Citroen CX should accelerate faster than 1961 Fiat 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Citroen CX weights approximately 652 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, 1979 Citroen CX, 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, 1979 Citroen CX (161 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Fiat 850. (69 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1979 Citroen CX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Fiat 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Citroen CX | 1961 Fiat 850 | |
| Make | Citroen | Fiat |
| Model | CX | 850 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 847 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 69 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1265 kg | 613 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 3290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1390 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2010 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 38 L |
