1978 Fiat Strada vs. 1999 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Fiat Strada. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Fiat Strada would be higher. At 1,390 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Volkswagen Golf (73 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1978 Fiat Strada. (60 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat Strada. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 340 kg more than 1978 Fiat Strada. 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, 1999 Volkswagen Golf (126 Nm) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat Strada. (91 Nm). This means 1999 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat Strada. 1978 Fiat Strada has automatic transmission and 1999 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1999 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Fiat Strada will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat Strada | 1999 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | Strada | Golf |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1288 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 60 HP | 73 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 55.6 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 820 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2520 mm |
