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 1,368 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Fiat 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Fiat 500 (101 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1976 Volkswagen Polo. (55 HP @ 5400 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 347 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 (133 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Volkswagen Polo. (96 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2012 Fiat 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Volkswagen Polo | 2012 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Fiat |
| Model | Polo | 500 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1272 cc | 1368 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 55 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 153 km/hour | 182 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 725 kg | 1072 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 3546 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1628 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1519 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2301 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 40 L |
