1968 Abarth 1300 vs. 1988 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1988 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Abarth 1300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Abarth 1300 would be higher. At 1,280 cc (4 cylinders), 1968 Abarth 1300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Abarth 1300 (73 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1988 Volkswagen Polo. (44 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Abarth 1300 should accelerate faster than 1988 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 100 kg more than 1968 Abarth 1300.
Because 1968 Abarth 1300 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 1968 Abarth 1300. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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, 1968 Abarth 1300 (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Volkswagen Polo. (95 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1968 Abarth 1300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Abarth 1300 | 1988 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Abarth | Volkswagen |
| Model | 1300 | Polo |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1280 cc | 1043 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 670 kg | 770 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3720 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1500 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2050 mm | 2340 mm |
