1978 Fiat 131 vs. 1998 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1998 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Fiat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Fiat 131 would be higher. At 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Volkswagen Golf (129 HP) has 76 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (53 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 380 kg more than 1978 Fiat 131. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Fiat 131. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Volkswagen Golf will offer significantly more control. 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, 1998 Volkswagen Golf (305 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 131. (95 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1998 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 131 | 1998 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 131 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 129 HP |
| Torque | 95 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2520 mm |
