1958 Abarth 600 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 54 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 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 129 more horse power than 1958 Abarth 600. (41 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1958 Abarth 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 815 kg more than 1958 Abarth 600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 186 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Abarth 600. (54 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Abarth 600. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta 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. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Abarth 600 | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Abarth | Volkswagen |
| Model | 600 | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 747 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 4557 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2578 mm |
