1970 Fiat 500 vs. 2002 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2002 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,390 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Volkswagen Golf (74 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1970 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1970 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 600 kg more than 1970 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 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 1970 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 2002 Volkswagen Golf (125 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2002 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Fiat 500 | 2002 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 500 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2002 |
| 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 | 18 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 75.6 mm |
| 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 | 510 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3030 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 55 L |
