1956 Abarth 600 vs. 1991 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1991 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Abarth 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Abarth 600 would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1991 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Volkswagen Golf (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1956 Abarth 600. (41 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1956 Abarth 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 499 kg more than 1956 Abarth 600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1956 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 1956 Abarth 600. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1991 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, 1991 Volkswagen Golf (145 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Abarth 600. (54 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1991 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Abarth 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Abarth 600 | 1991 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Abarth | Volkswagen |
| Model | 600 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 746 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 61 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1084 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 55 L |
