1958 Abarth 600 vs. 2008 Audi A3
To start off, 2008 Audi A3 is newer by 50 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Abarth 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Abarth 600 would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Audi A3 is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Audi A3 weights approximately 590 kg more than 1958 Abarth 600.
Because 1958 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 1958 Abarth 600. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Audi A3, 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, 2008 Audi A3 (210 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Abarth 600. (54 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Audi A3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Abarth 600. 2008 Audi A3 has automatic transmission and 1958 Abarth 600 has manual transmission. 1958 Abarth 600 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Audi A3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Abarth 600 | 2008 Audi A3 | |
| Make | Abarth | Audi |
| Model | 600 | A3 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 747 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 0 HP |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 61 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2520 mm |
