1962 Fiat 500 vs. 1988 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1988 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,763 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Volkswagen Golf (157 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 135 more horse power than 1962 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1962 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 655 kg more than 1962 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1962 Fiat 500. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Volkswagen Golf will offer significantly more control. 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, 1988 Volkswagen Golf (225 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 189 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1988 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Fiat 500 | 1988 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 500 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1763 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1195 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 4040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 37 L | 55 L |
