1959 Abarth 1000 vs. 1987 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1987 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Abarth 1000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Abarth 1000 would be higher. At 1,043 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Abarth 1000 (88 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1987 Volkswagen Polo. (44 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Abarth 1000 should accelerate faster than 1987 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 90 kg more than 1959 Abarth 1000.
Because 1959 Abarth 1000 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 1959 Abarth 1000. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 1959 Abarth 1000 (97 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Volkswagen Polo. (96 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1959 Abarth 1000 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 1000 | 1987 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Abarth | Volkswagen |
| Model | 1000 | Polo |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 998 cc | 1043 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 97 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 680 kg | 770 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2170 mm | 2340 mm |
