1955 Abarth 600 vs. 1997 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen W12 is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Abarth 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Abarth 600 would be higher. At 5,584 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen W12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen W12 (420 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 379 more horse power than 1955 Abarth 600. (41 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 1955 Abarth 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen W12 weights approximately 564 kg more than 1955 Abarth 600. 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, 1997 Volkswagen W12 (530 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 476 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Abarth 600. (54 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Abarth 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Abarth 600 | 1997 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | Abarth | Volkswagen |
| Model | 600 | W12 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Middle |
| Engine Size | 747 cc | 5584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 61 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 588 kg | 1152 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1010 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2540 mm |
