1955 Abarth 600 vs. 1998 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1998 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 43 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 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Volkswagen Golf (114 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1955 Abarth 600. (41 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1955 Abarth 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 702 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.
Because 1955 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 1955 Abarth 600. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 1998 Volkswagen Golf (166 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Abarth 600. (54 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Abarth 600. 1998 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 1955 Abarth 600 has manual transmission. 1955 Abarth 600 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Abarth 600 | 1998 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Abarth | Volkswagen |
| Model | 600 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 747 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 166 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 61 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 588 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2480 mm |
