1976 Volkswagen Polo vs. 2012 Fiat 500
To start off, 2012 Fiat 500 is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Volkswagen Polo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Volkswagen Polo would be higher. At 1,242 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Fiat 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Fiat 500 (68 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1976 Volkswagen Polo. (39 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Fiat 500 should accelerate faster than 1976 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Fiat 500 weights approximately 250 kg more than 1976 Volkswagen Polo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Fiat 500 (102 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Volkswagen Polo. (57 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Fiat 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Volkswagen Polo. 2012 Fiat 500 has automatic transmission and 1976 Volkswagen Polo has manual transmission. 1976 Volkswagen Polo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Fiat 500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Volkswagen Polo | 2012 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Fiat |
| Model | Polo | 500 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 895 cc | 1242 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 69.5 mm | 70.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 59 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.2:1 | 11.1:1 |
| Top Speed | 135 km/hour | 160 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 690 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3510 mm | 3550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 35 L |
