1959 Abarth 1000 vs. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 54 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 1000. (88 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 1000. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 640 kg more than 1959 Abarth 1000. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2013 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, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (320 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 223 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 1000. (97 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 1000.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 1000 | 2013 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Abarth | Volkswagen |
| Model | 1000 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 998 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 97 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 58 mm | 95 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 680 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2170 mm | 2537 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 55 L |
