1958 Abarth 750 vs. 1975 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1975 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Abarth 750. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Abarth 750 would be higher. At 1,285 cc (4 cylinders), 1975 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 Abarth 750 (60 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1975 Volkswagen Beetle. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1958 Abarth 750 should accelerate faster than 1975 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 280 kg more than 1958 Abarth 750.
Because 1958 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 1958 Abarth 750. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1975 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, 1975 Volkswagen Beetle (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Abarth 750. (69 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1975 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Abarth 750.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Abarth 750 | 1975 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Abarth | Volkswagen |
| Model | 750 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 747 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 60 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 69 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2410 mm |
