1959 Abarth 600 vs. 1985 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1985 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Abarth 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Abarth 600 would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Volkswagen Golf (127 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 600. (41 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 375 kg more than 1959 Abarth 600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Abarth 600 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 600. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 1985 Volkswagen Golf (168 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 600. (54 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1985 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 600 | 1985 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Abarth | Volkswagen |
| Model | 600 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 747 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 127 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 61 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2480 mm |
