1990 Fiat 126 vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Fiat 126 would be higher. At 1,390 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (74 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1990 Fiat 126. (26 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1990 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 460 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, 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 (125 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Fiat 126. (49 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1997 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 | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 126 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 703 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 26 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 49 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 116 km/hour | 171 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 645 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.6 L/100km | 6.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
