1972 Fiat 125 vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Fiat 125. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Fiat 125 would be higher. At 1,608 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Fiat 125 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Fiat 125 (90 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Fiat 125 should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 145 kg more than 1972 Fiat 125.
Because 1972 Fiat 125 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 125. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1972 Fiat 125 (131 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (125 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1972 Fiat 125 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Fiat 125 | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 125 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1608 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 161 km/hour | 171 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 | 960 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
