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 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 2004 Fiat Panda. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2004 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 246 kg more than 2004 Fiat Panda. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 142 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Fiat Panda. (98 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 | 1242 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 98 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1100 kg | 1346 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 L | 55 L |
