1978 Fiat 131 vs. 2000 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2000 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 22 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Volkswagen Golf (73 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (59 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Fiat 131 weights approximately 20 kg more than 2000 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1978 Fiat 131 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 1978 Fiat 131. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 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, 2000 Volkswagen Golf (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 131. (113 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2000 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 | 2000 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 131 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 73 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 113 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2520 mm |
