1966 Abarth 700 vs. 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Abarth 700. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Abarth 700 would be higher. At 2,324 cc (5 cylinders), 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle (168 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1966 Abarth 700. (63 HP @ 7600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1966 Abarth 700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 700 kg more than 1966 Abarth 700. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1966 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 1966 Abarth 700. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Volkswagen New 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, 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle (225 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Abarth 700. (69 Nm @ 5800 RPM). This means 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Abarth 700.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Abarth 700 | 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Abarth | Volkswagen |
| Model | 700 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1966 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 696 cc | 2324 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 63 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7600 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 69 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5800 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 L | 55 L |
