1957 Abarth 500 vs. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 24 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 1,715 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit (72 HP) has 52 more horse power than 1957 Abarth 500. (20 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit should accelerate faster than 1957 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit weights approximately 400 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.
Because 1957 Abarth 500 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 1957 Abarth 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit, 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, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit (122 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Abarth 500. (32 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Abarth 500. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1957 Abarth 500 has manual transmission. 1957 Abarth 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Abarth 500 | 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Abarth | Volkswagen |
| Model | 500 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 478 cc | 1715 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 72 HP |
| Torque | 32 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 445 kg | 845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2410 mm |
