2005 Fiat Panda vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2005 Fiat Panda is newer by 8 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 1,894 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 2005 Fiat Panda. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2005 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 233 kg more than 2005 Fiat Panda. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Fiat Panda is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 208 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Fiat Panda. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Fiat Panda. 1997 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 2005 Fiat Panda has manual transmission. 2005 Fiat Panda will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Fiat Panda | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | Panda | Golf |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1240 cc | 1894 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.8 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.9 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 145 km/hour | 192 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 20 seconds | 11 seconds |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1273 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 L | 55 L |
