1966 Fiat 500 vs. 1980 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1980 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Volkswagen Golf (53 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1966 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1966 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 335 kg more than 1966 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1966 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 1966 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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, 1980 Volkswagen Golf (100 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1980 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Fiat 500 | 1980 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 500 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 23.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 3830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 40 L |
