1973 Fiat 125 vs. 2003 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Fiat 125. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Fiat 125 would be higher. At 1,608 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Fiat 125 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Golf (114 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 125. (90 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 125. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 200 kg more than 1973 Fiat 125. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 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 1973 Fiat 125. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2003 Volkswagen Golf (156 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 125. (131 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 125. 2003 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 1973 Fiat 125 has manual transmission. 1973 Fiat 125 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Fiat 125 | 2003 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 125 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1608 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 156 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 86.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 161 km/hour | 194 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
