1996 Fiat 126 vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Fiat 126 would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (114 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1996 Fiat 126. (25 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1996 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 639 kg more than 1996 Fiat 126. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 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 1996 Fiat 126. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 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 1996 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Fiat 126 | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 126 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 704 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 25 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 49 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 116 km/hour | 195 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 645 kg | 1284 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.6 L/100km | 8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
