1979 Fiat 131 vs. 2000 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2000 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Fiat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Fiat 131 would be higher. At 2,443 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Volkswagen Golf (103 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1979 Fiat 131. (71 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1979 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 20 kg more than 1979 Fiat 131. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 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 1979 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, 1979 Fiat 131 (152 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Volkswagen Golf. (145 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1979 Fiat 131 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Fiat 131 | 2000 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 131 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2443 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 103 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 86.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2520 mm |
