1960 Abarth 600 vs. 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Abarth 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Abarth 600 would be higher. At 1,455 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit (70 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1960 Abarth 600. (43 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit should accelerate faster than 1960 Abarth 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit weights approximately 215 kg more than 1960 Abarth 600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1960 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 1960 Abarth 600. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit, 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, 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Abarth 600. (57 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Abarth 600. 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1960 Abarth 600 has manual transmission. 1960 Abarth 600 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Abarth 600 | 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Abarth | Volkswagen |
| Model | 600 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 747 cc | 1455 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 43 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 61 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 595 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2410 mm |
