1986 Pontiac Fiero vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Pontiac Fiero. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Pontiac Fiero would be higher. At 2,827 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Pontiac Fiero is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Pontiac Fiero (140 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Pontiac Fiero should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 61 kg more than 1986 Pontiac Fiero.
Because 1986 Pontiac Fiero 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 Pontiac Fiero. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (310 Nm) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Pontiac Fiero. (220 Nm). This means 1997 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Pontiac Fiero. 1997 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 1986 Pontiac Fiero has manual transmission. 1986 Pontiac Fiero will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Pontiac Fiero | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Fiero | Golf |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2827 cc | 1894 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.9 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73.7 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 180 km/hour | 192 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1212 kg | 1273 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2380 mm | 2630 mm |
