2001 Volkswagen Golf vs. 1978 Fiat 131
To start off, 2001 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Fiat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Fiat 131 would be higher. At 2,324 cc (5 cylinders), 2001 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Volkswagen Golf (168 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (59 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 75 kg more than 1978 Fiat 131. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Fiat 131. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 2001 Volkswagen Golf (225 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 131. (113 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2001 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 131. 1978 Fiat 131 has automatic transmission and 2001 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2001 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Fiat 131 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Volkswagen Golf | 1978 Fiat 131 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Fiat |
| Model | Golf | 131 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2324 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 113 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.2 mm | 82 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1255 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2500 mm |
