1959 Abarth 2200 vs. 1999 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Abarth 2200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Abarth 2200 would be higher. At 2,161 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Abarth 2200 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Abarth 2200 (135 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1999 Volkswagen Beetle. (113 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Abarth 2200 should accelerate faster than 1999 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 171 kg more than 1959 Abarth 2200.
Because 1959 Abarth 2200 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 2200. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1959 Abarth 2200 (187 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Volkswagen Beetle. (171 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1959 Abarth 2200 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 2200 | 1999 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Abarth | Volkswagen |
| Model | 2200 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2161 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 171 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73.5 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Top Speed | 196 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1231 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 55 L |
