1965 Abarth 700 vs. 1978 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1978 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Abarth 700. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Abarth 700 would be higher. At 1,471 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1965 Abarth 700 (63 HP) has 14 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Golf. (49 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1965 Abarth 700 should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 260 kg more than 1965 Abarth 700.
Because 1965 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 1965 Abarth 700. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 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, 1978 Volkswagen Golf (81 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Abarth 700. (69 Nm @ 5800 RPM). This means 1978 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Abarth 700.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Abarth 700 | 1978 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Abarth | Volkswagen |
| Model | 700 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 696 cc | 1471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 63 HP | 49 HP |
| Torque | 69 Nm | 81 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 29 L | 45 L |
