1968 Fiat 850 vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Fiat 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Fiat 850 would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (113 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1968 Fiat 850. (51 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1968 Fiat 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 575 kg more than 1968 Fiat 850. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Fiat 850 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 1968 Fiat 850. 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 (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Fiat 850. (65 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Fiat 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Fiat 850 | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 850 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 903 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 65 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 140 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 715 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2030 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 L | 55 L |
