1956 Abarth 750 vs. 2009 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 53 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Abarth 750. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Abarth 750 would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle (114 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1956 Abarth 750. (43 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1956 Abarth 750. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 1772 kg more than 1956 Abarth 750. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1956 Abarth 750 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 750. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle, 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, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Abarth 750. (49 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Abarth 750.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Abarth 750 | 2009 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Abarth | Volkswagen |
| Model | 750 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 747 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 43 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 49 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 153 km/hour | 180 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 535 kg | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3490 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 55 L |
