1957 Abarth 500 vs. 1972 Volkswagen 1600
To start off, 1972 Volkswagen 1600 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Abarth 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Abarth 500 would be higher. At 1,584 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Volkswagen 1600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Volkswagen 1600 (53 HP) has 33 more horse power than 1957 Abarth 500. (20 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Volkswagen 1600 should accelerate faster than 1957 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Volkswagen 1600 weights approximately 521 kg more than 1957 Abarth 500. 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, 1972 Volkswagen 1600 (110 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Abarth 500. (32 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1972 Volkswagen 1600 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Abarth 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Abarth 500 | 1972 Volkswagen 1600 | |
| Make | Abarth | Volkswagen |
| Model | 500 | 1600 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 478 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 53 HP |
| Torque | 32 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 69 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 445 kg | 966 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 40 L |
