1959 Abarth 850 vs. 2003 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Abarth 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Abarth 850 would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Golf (73 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 850. (70 HP @ 6800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 647 kg more than 1959 Abarth 850. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Abarth 850 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 850. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2003 Volkswagen Golf (140 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 850. (80 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 850 | 2003 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Abarth | Volkswagen |
| Model | 850 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 73 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 163 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 1217 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 L | 55 L |
