1961 Fiat 1300 vs. 1996 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1996 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Fiat 1300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Fiat 1300 would be higher. At 1,481 cc (4 cylinders), 1961 Fiat 1300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Fiat 1300 (71 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Polo. (59 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 Fiat 1300 should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 60 kg more than 1961 Fiat 1300.
Because 1961 Fiat 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 1961 Fiat 1300. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1996 Volkswagen Polo (116 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Fiat 1300. (106 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1996 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Fiat 1300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Fiat 1300 | 1996 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 1300 | Polo |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1481 cc | 1389 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 106 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2410 mm |
