1988 Fiat Panda vs. 1995 Volkswagen Fusca
To start off, 1995 Volkswagen Fusca is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Fiat Panda. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Fiat Panda would be higher. At 1,585 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Volkswagen Fusca is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Volkswagen Fusca (52 HP) has 19 more horse power than 1988 Fiat Panda. (33 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Volkswagen Fusca should accelerate faster than 1988 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Volkswagen Fusca weights approximately 140 kg more than 1988 Fiat Panda. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1995 Volkswagen Fusca 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 1995 Volkswagen Fusca. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Fiat Panda, 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, 1995 Volkswagen Fusca (105 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Fiat Panda. (58 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1995 Volkswagen Fusca will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Fiat Panda.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Fiat Panda | 1995 Volkswagen Fusca | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | Panda | Fusca |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1995 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 770 cc | 1585 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 33 HP | 52 HP |
| Torque | 58 Nm | 105 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 680 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1500 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2170 mm | 2410 mm |
