1969 Abarth 1300 vs. 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Abarth 1300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Abarth 1300 would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Abarth 1300 (123 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle. (114 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Abarth 1300 should accelerate faster than 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 720 kg more than 1969 Abarth 1300.
Because 1969 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 1969 Abarth 1300. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 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, 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle (172 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Abarth 1300. (130 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Abarth 1300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Abarth 1300 | 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Abarth | Volkswagen |
| Model | 1300 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1280 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7200 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.6:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 636 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3560 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2100 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 55 L |
