1972 Fiat 124 vs. 1974 Volkswagen K 70
To start off, 1974 Volkswagen K 70 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Fiat 124. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Fiat 124 would be higher. At 1,605 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Volkswagen K 70 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Volkswagen K 70 (75 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1972 Fiat 124. (60 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Volkswagen K 70 should accelerate faster than 1972 Fiat 124. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Volkswagen K 70 weights approximately 120 kg more than 1972 Fiat 124. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 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 1972 Fiat 124. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Volkswagen K 70, 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, 1974 Volkswagen K 70 (123 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Fiat 124. (87 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1974 Volkswagen K 70 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Fiat 124.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Fiat 124 | 1974 Volkswagen K 70 | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 124 | K 70 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1197 cc | 1605 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 60 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 87 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 45 L |
