1996 Fiat 131 vs. 2006 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Fiat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Fiat 131 would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (116 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1996 Fiat 131. (113 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1996 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 259 kg more than 1996 Fiat 131. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Fiat 131 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 131. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 1996 Fiat 131 (167 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. (165 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1996 Fiat 131 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Fiat 131 | 2006 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 131 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 92.7 mm |
| Top Speed | 180 km/hour | 189 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 | 1025 kg | 1284 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
