1960 Abarth 850 vs. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 48 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 2,480 cc (5 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle (150 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1960 Abarth 850. (51 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1960 Abarth 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 780 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, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle, 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, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle (231 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 161 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Abarth 850. (70 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Abarth 850. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle 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. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Abarth 850 | 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Abarth | Volkswagen |
| Model | 850 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1960 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 850 cc | 2480 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 70 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3600 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 55 L |
