1971 Fiat 124 vs. 2008 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Fiat 124. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Fiat 124 would be higher. At 1,198 cc (3 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Fiat 124 (59 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Polo. (54 HP @ 4750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Fiat 124 should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 319 kg more than 1971 Fiat 124.
Because 1971 Fiat 124 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 1971 Fiat 124. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Polo, 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 Polo (106 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Fiat 124. (89 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Fiat 124.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Fiat 124 | 2008 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 124 | Polo |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1197 cc | 1198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 54 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 89 Nm | 106 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 86.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 140 km/hour | 147 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 912 kg | 1231 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 3910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 45 L |
