1996 Fiat Punto 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 Punto. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Fiat Punto 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 (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1996 Fiat Punto. (59 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1996 Fiat Punto. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 271 kg more than 1996 Fiat Punto. 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 1996 Fiat Punto. 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 (201 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Fiat Punto. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Fiat Punto. 2008 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 1996 Fiat Punto has manual transmission. 1996 Fiat Punto will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Fiat Punto | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | Punto | Golf |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1241 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 201 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 55.5 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1231 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
