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 1,901 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (100 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4000 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 796 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 2006 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1973 Fiat 500. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Golf will offer significantly more control. 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 (240 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 203 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 500. (37 Nm @ 2500 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 | 594 cc | 1901 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 37 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 525 kg | 1321 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2520 mm |
