1962 Abarth 600 vs. 1998 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1998 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Abarth 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Abarth 600 would be higher. At 1,390 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Volkswagen Golf (74 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1962 Abarth 600. (59 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1962 Abarth 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 522 kg more than 1962 Abarth 600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1962 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 1962 Abarth 600. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Volkswagen Golf, 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 Golf (130 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Abarth 600. (92 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Abarth 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Abarth 600 | 1998 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Abarth | Volkswagen |
| Model | 600 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 980 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65 mm | 76.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 74 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 583 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 55 L |
