2003 Fiat Panda vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Fiat Panda. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Fiat Panda would be higher. At 1,968 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (74 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2003 Fiat Panda. (69 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2003 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 354 kg more than 2003 Fiat Panda. 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, 2003 Fiat Panda (144 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (140 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2003 Fiat Panda will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Fiat Panda | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | Panda | Golf |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1251 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 69.6 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 160 km/hour | 163 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 13 seconds | 16.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 861 kg | 1215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 4.5 L/100km | 5.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 55 L |
