1997 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2013 Fiat 500
To start off, 2013 Fiat 500 is newer by 16 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 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (115 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 2013 Fiat 500. (101 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2013 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 54 kg more than 2013 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (155 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Fiat 500. (133 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Volkswagen Golf | 2013 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Fiat |
| Model | Golf | 500 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1368 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 155 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1106 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 3547 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1627 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2300 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 6.2 L/100km | 5.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 40 L |
