1969 Fiat 500 vs. 2001 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2001 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,390 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Volkswagen Golf (73 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1969 Fiat 500. (14 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1969 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 680 kg more than 1969 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1969 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 1969 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 2001 Volkswagen Golf (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Fiat 500. (24 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2001 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Fiat 500 | 2001 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 500 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 14 HP | 73 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 24 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 480 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3030 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1310 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 37 L | 55 L |
