1997 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2012 Fiat Panda
To start off, 2012 Fiat Panda is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,389 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Fiat Panda (74 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (73 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Fiat Panda should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 150 kg more than 2012 Fiat Panda.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2012 Fiat Panda (145 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2012 Fiat Panda will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Volkswagen Golf | 2012 Fiat Panda | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Fiat |
| Model | Golf | Panda |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1389 cc | 1248 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.5 mm | 69.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.6 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 3540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1580 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2310 mm |
