1973 Fiat 500 vs. 2006 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (113 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 774 kg more than 1973 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 Fiat 500 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 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Fiat 500 | 2006 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 500 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1284 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 55 L |
