1971 Fiat 850 vs. 2003 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Fiat 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Fiat 850 would be higher. At 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Polo (128 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1971 Fiat 850. (51 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1971 Fiat 850.
Because 1971 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 1971 Fiat 850. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2003 Volkswagen Polo (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 241 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Fiat 850. (69 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Fiat 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Fiat 850 | 2003 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 850 | Polo |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 69 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 153 km/hour | 206 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2470 mm |
