1970 Fiat 850 vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Fiat 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Fiat 850 would be higher. At 1,966 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1970 Fiat 850. (51 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1970 Fiat 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 545 kg more than 1970 Fiat 850. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 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 1970 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 (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 254 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Fiat 850. (66 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Fiat 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Fiat 850 | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 850 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 903 cc | 1966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 66 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 735 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2590 mm |
