1963 Abarth 1600 vs. 1996 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1996 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Abarth 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Abarth 1600 would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1963 Abarth 1600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 Abarth 1600 (155 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Polo. (59 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1963 Abarth 1600 should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 276 kg more than 1963 Abarth 1600.
Because 1963 Abarth 1600 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 1963 Abarth 1600. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1963 Abarth 1600 (167 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volkswagen Polo. (116 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1963 Abarth 1600 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Abarth 1600 | 1996 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Abarth | Volkswagen |
| Model | 1600 | Polo |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1389 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 744 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2100 mm | 2410 mm |
