1961 Abarth 600 vs. 1978 Volkswagen Citi
To start off, 1978 Volkswagen Citi is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Abarth 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Abarth 600 would be higher. At 1,272 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Volkswagen Citi is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Volkswagen Citi (64 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1961 Abarth 600. (47 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Volkswagen Citi should accelerate faster than 1961 Abarth 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Volkswagen Citi weights approximately 285 kg more than 1961 Abarth 600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 Abarth 600 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 600. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Volkswagen Citi, 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, 1978 Volkswagen Citi (100 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Abarth 600. (66 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1978 Volkswagen Citi will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Abarth 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Abarth 600 | 1978 Volkswagen Citi | |
| Make | Abarth | Volkswagen |
| Model | 600 | Citi |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 66 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 595 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2410 mm |
