1959 Abarth 500 vs. 2001 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 2001 Volkswagen W12 is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Abarth 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Abarth 500 would be higher. At 5,998 cc (12 cylinders), 2001 Volkswagen W12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Volkswagen W12 (590 HP) has 570 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 500. (20 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Volkswagen W12 weights approximately 755 kg more than 1959 Abarth 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2001 Volkswagen W12 (620 Nm @ 5800 RPM) has 588 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 500. (32 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2001 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 500 | 2001 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | Abarth | Volkswagen |
| Model | 500 | W12 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Middle |
| Engine Size | 479 cc | 5998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 590 HP |
| Torque | 32 Nm | 620 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 445 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2520 mm |
