1989 Fiat 126 vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Fiat 126 would be higher. At 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1989 Fiat 126. (26 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1989 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 559 kg more than 1989 Fiat 126. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1989 Fiat 126. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf 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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 201 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Fiat 126. (49 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Fiat 126 | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 126 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 703 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 26 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 49 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 116 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 645 kg | 1204 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.6 L/100km | 5.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
