2006 Fiat Panda vs. 1998 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2006 Fiat Panda is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Volkswagen Polo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Volkswagen Polo would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Volkswagen Polo (74 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2006 Fiat Panda. (70 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 2006 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 55 kg more than 2006 Fiat Panda. 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 1998 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 (197 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Volkswagen Polo. (135 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2006 Fiat Panda will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Volkswagen Polo. 2006 Fiat Panda has automatic transmission and 1998 Volkswagen Polo has manual transmission. 1998 Volkswagen Polo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Fiat Panda will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Fiat Panda | 1998 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | Panda | Polo |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 197 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 935 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2410 mm |
