1955 Fiat 600 vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Fiat 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Fiat 600 would be higher. At 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (129 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1955 Fiat 600. (19 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1955 Fiat 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 651 kg more than 1955 Fiat 600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1955 Fiat 600 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 1955 Fiat 600. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (315 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 275 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Fiat 600. (40 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Fiat 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Fiat 600 | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 600 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 633 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 19 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 40 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 60 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 56 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 100 km/hour | 205 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 575 kg | 1226 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3290 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 55 L |
