1961 Abarth 1600 vs. 1961 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, both 1961 Abarth 1600 and 1961 Volkswagen Beetle were released in the same year (1961). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 1,586 cc (4 cylinders), 1961 Abarth 1600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Abarth 1600 (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1961 Volkswagen Beetle. (24 HP @ 3300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 Abarth 1600 should accelerate faster than 1961 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Abarth 1600 weights approximately 200 kg more than 1961 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 Abarth 1600 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 1961 Abarth 1600. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1961 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, 1961 Abarth 1600 (138 Nm) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Volkswagen Beetle. (77 Nm). This means 1961 Abarth 1600 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Abarth 1600 | 1961 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Abarth | Volkswagen |
| Model | 1600 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1586 cc | 1131 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 24 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 40 L |
