1973 Fiat 500 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf

To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 39 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 1,200 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (84 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 906 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, 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 (160 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2012 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 2012 Volkswagen Golf
Make Fiat Volkswagen
Model 500 Golf
Year Released 1973 2012
Body Type Coupe Convertible
Engine Position Rear Front
Engine Size 499 cc 1200 cc
Engine Cylinders 2 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 18 HP 84 HP
Engine RPM 4600 RPM 4800 RPM
Torque 27 Nm 160 Nm
Torque RPM 3200 RPM 1500 RPM
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Manual 6-speed manual
Number of Seats 4 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 510 kg 1416 kg
Vehicle Length 2980 mm 4246 mm
Vehicle Width 1330 mm 1782 mm
Vehicle Height 1330 mm 1423 mm
Wheelbase Size 1850 mm 2578 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 22 L 55 L


 

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