1961 Abarth 700 vs. 1961 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, both 1961 Abarth 700 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 1,131 cc (4 cylinders), 1961 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Abarth 700 (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1961 Volkswagen Beetle. (24 HP @ 3300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 Abarth 700 should accelerate faster than 1961 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 190 kg more than 1961 Abarth 700.
Because 1961 Abarth 700 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 700. 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 Volkswagen Beetle (77 Nm) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Abarth 700. (61 Nm). This means 1961 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Abarth 700.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Abarth 700 | 1961 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Abarth | Volkswagen |
| Model | 700 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1961 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 745 cc | 1131 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 24 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Torque | 61 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3600 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1400 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 40 L |
