1975 Fiat 124 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Fiat 124. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Fiat 124 would be higher. At 1,200 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Polo (74 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1975 Fiat 124. (59 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1975 Fiat 124. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 240 kg more than 1975 Fiat 124. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1975 Fiat 124 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 1975 Fiat 124. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Polo, 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 Polo (180 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Fiat 124. (87 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Fiat 124.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Fiat 124 | 2012 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 124 | Polo |
| Year Released | 1975 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1197 cc | 1200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 87 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 140 km/hour | 172 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1682 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2470 mm |
