1959 Abarth 600 vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 38 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 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (115 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 600. (41 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 575 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, 1997 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, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (155 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 600. (54 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 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 | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Abarth | Volkswagen |
| Model | 600 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 747 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 61 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2470 mm |
