1972 Fiat 125 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 40 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 1 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (89 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Fiat 125 should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 354 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, 2012 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, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (230 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Fiat 125. (131 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Fiat 125.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Fiat 125 | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 125 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1608 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 161 km/hour | 177 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1314 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
