1974 Fiat 500 vs. 1982 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1982 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,092 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Volkswagen Golf (49 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1974 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1974 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 234 kg more than 1974 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 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 1974 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 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, 1982 Volkswagen Golf (79 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1982 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Fiat 500 | 1982 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 500 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1982 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1092 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 79 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 69.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 72 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 516 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 3710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 45 L |
