1960 Abarth 850 vs. 1984 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1984 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 24 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 1,715 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Volkswagen Rabbit (64 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1960 Abarth 850. (51 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Volkswagen Rabbit should accelerate faster than 1960 Abarth 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Volkswagen Rabbit weights approximately 275 kg more than 1960 Abarth 850. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1984 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, 1984 Volkswagen Rabbit (117 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Abarth 850. (70 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1984 Volkswagen Rabbit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Abarth 850. 1984 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1960 Abarth 850 has manual transmission. 1960 Abarth 850 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1984 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Abarth 850 | 1984 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Abarth | Volkswagen |
| Model | 850 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 850 cc | 1715 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 70 Nm | 117 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3600 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2410 mm |
