1959 Abarth 600 vs. 2011 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 52 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta (140 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 600. (41 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 879 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, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 266 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 600. (54 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 600 | 2011 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Abarth | Volkswagen |
| Model | 600 | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 747 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1464 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 4557 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2578 mm |
