1984 Fiat Panda vs. 1997 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Fiat Panda. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Fiat Panda would be higher. At 1,390 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Polo (59 HP @ 4700 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1984 Fiat Panda. (47 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1984 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 259 kg more than 1984 Fiat Panda. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1984 Fiat Panda is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Volkswagen Polo. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 Fiat Panda 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, 1997 Volkswagen Polo (117 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Fiat Panda. (69 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Fiat Panda.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Fiat Panda | 1997 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | Panda | Polo |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 965 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 69 Nm | 117 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 761 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3410 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2180 mm | 2410 mm |
