1978 Fiat 131 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 34 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (266 HP) has 213 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (53 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 556 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 2012 Volkswagen Golf is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Fiat 131. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (350 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 255 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 131. (95 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2012 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 | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 131 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 266 HP |
| Torque | 95 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 1521 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2578 mm |
