1960 Abarth 850 vs. 1977 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1977 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Abarth 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Abarth 850 would be higher. At 1,093 cc (4 cylinders), 1977 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1960 Abarth 850 (51 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1977 Volkswagen Golf. (49 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1960 Abarth 850 should accelerate faster than 1977 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 180 kg more than 1960 Abarth 850.
Because 1960 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 1960 Abarth 850. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1977 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, 1977 Volkswagen Golf (79 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Abarth 850. (70 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1977 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Abarth 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Abarth 850 | 1977 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Abarth | Volkswagen |
| Model | 850 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1977 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 850 cc | 1093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 70 Nm | 79 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 69.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| 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 | 570 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3600 mm | 3830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 45 L |
