1959 Abarth 1000 vs. 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 45 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 1,390 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Abarth 1000 (88 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. (74 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Abarth 1000 should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 651 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, 2004 Volkswagen New 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, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle (125 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 1000. (97 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 1000.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 1000 | 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Abarth | Volkswagen |
| Model | 1000 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 998 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 97 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 58 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 161 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 680 kg | 1331 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2170 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 55 L |
