2004 Fiat Panda vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Fiat Panda. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Fiat Panda would be higher. At 1,600 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (89 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 2004 Fiat Panda. (60 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2004 Fiat Panda.
Because 2004 Fiat Panda is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Fiat Panda 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, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (230 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Fiat Panda. (103 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Fiat Panda.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Fiat Panda | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | Panda | Golf |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1248 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 60 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3600 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 55 L |
