1961 Abarth 600 vs. 1989 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1989 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 28 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 1,270 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Abarth 600 (47 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1989 Volkswagen Polo. (44 HP @ 4900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 Abarth 600 should accelerate faster than 1989 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 245 kg more than 1961 Abarth 600.
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, 1989 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 1989 Volkswagen Polo (76 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Abarth 600. (66 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1989 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Abarth 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Abarth 600 | 1989 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Abarth | Volkswagen |
| Model | 600 | Polo |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 1270 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 66 Nm | 76 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 595 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 42 L |
