1986 Fiat 126 vs. 2005 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Fiat 126 would be higher. At 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen Golf (113 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1986 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1986 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 600 kg more than 1986 Fiat 126. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1986 Fiat 126 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 1986 Fiat 126. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2005 Volkswagen Golf (155 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Fiat 126. 2005 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 1986 Fiat 126 has manual transmission. 1986 Fiat 126 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Fiat 126 | 2005 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 126 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 651 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 86.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2520 mm |
