1990 Fiat 126 vs. 1980 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1990 Fiat 126 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,093 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Volkswagen Golf (49 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1990 Fiat 126. (26 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1990 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 105 kg more than 1990 Fiat 126. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 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 1990 Fiat 126. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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, 1980 Volkswagen Golf (79 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Fiat 126. (49 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1980 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Fiat 126 | 1980 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 126 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 703 cc | 1093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 26 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 49 Nm | 79 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 69.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 645 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 3830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 45 L |
