1961 Fiat 500 vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 47 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1961 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1961 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 822 kg more than 1961 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 Fiat 500 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 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 214 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Fiat 500 | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 500 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.1:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1362 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2580 mm |
