1961 Abarth 700 vs. 1998 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1998 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Abarth 700. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Abarth 700 would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Volkswagen Polo (74 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1961 Abarth 700. (63 HP @ 7600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1961 Abarth 700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 420 kg more than 1961 Abarth 700. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1998 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, 1998 Volkswagen Polo (135 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Abarth 700. (69 Nm @ 5800 RPM). This means 1998 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Abarth 700.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Abarth 700 | 1998 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Abarth | Volkswagen |
| Model | 700 | Polo |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 696 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 63 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 69 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5800 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2410 mm |
