1965 Fiat 500 vs. 1991 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1991 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1991 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Volkswagen Golf (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 153 more horse power than 1965 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1965 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 615 kg more than 1965 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1965 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 1965 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1991 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, 1991 Volkswagen Golf (234 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 198 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1991 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Fiat 500 | 1991 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 500 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1991 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 498 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 234 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1155 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 55 L |
