2006 Fiat Panda vs. 1996 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2006 Fiat Panda is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volkswagen Polo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volkswagen Polo would be higher. At 1,242 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Fiat Panda is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Fiat Panda (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Polo. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Fiat Panda should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Fiat Panda weights approximately 420 kg more than 1996 Volkswagen Polo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Fiat Panda is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Volkswagen Polo. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Fiat Panda (103 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volkswagen Polo. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Fiat Panda will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Fiat Panda | 1996 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | Panda | Polo |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1242 cc | 1043 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1375 kg | 955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 3720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1600 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2410 mm |
