1956 Abarth 600 vs. 1996 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1996 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 40 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 1,043 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Volkswagen Polo (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1956 Abarth 600. (41 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1956 Abarth 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 370 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, 1996 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 1996 Volkswagen Polo (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Abarth 600. (54 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Abarth 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Abarth 600 | 1996 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Abarth | Volkswagen |
| Model | 600 | Polo |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 746 cc | 1043 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 3720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2410 mm |
