1971 Abarth 595 vs. 1999 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Abarth 595. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Abarth 595 would be higher. At 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Volkswagen Golf (114 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1971 Abarth 595. (27 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1971 Abarth 595. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 829 kg more than 1971 Abarth 595. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Abarth 595 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 1971 Abarth 595. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1999 Volkswagen Golf (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Abarth 595. (45 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1999 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Abarth 595. 1999 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 1971 Abarth 595 has manual transmission. 1971 Abarth 595 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Abarth 595 | 1999 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Abarth | Volkswagen |
| Model | 595 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 594 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 27 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 45 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 470 kg | 1299 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 L | 55 L |
