1960 Abarth 850 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 52 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 149 more horse power than 1960 Abarth 850. (51 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1960 Abarth 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 810 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, 2012 Volkswagen 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, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (280 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Abarth 850. (70 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Abarth 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Abarth 850 | 2012 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Abarth | Volkswagen |
| Model | 850 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1960 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 850 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 70 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3600 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2537 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 55 L |
