1962 Fiat 500 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 50 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 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 1962 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1962 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 806 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 1962 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 1962 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 204 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2012 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 | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
Model | 500 | Golf |
Year Released | 1962 | 2012 |
Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Rear | Front |
Engine Size | 499 cc | 2500 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 22 HP | 170 HP |
Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5700 RPM |
Torque | 36 Nm | 240 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1346 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 4199 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1786 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1480 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2578 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 37 L | 55 L |