2006 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2012 Fiat Panda
To start off, 2012 Fiat Panda is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 3,189 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (248 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 176 more horse power than 2012 Fiat Panda. (72 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2012 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 544 kg more than 2012 Fiat Panda. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Fiat Panda. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Golf 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 Volkswagen Golf (320 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 189 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Fiat Panda. (131 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Fiat Panda.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Volkswagen Golf | 2012 Fiat Panda | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Fiat |
| Model | Golf | Panda |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3189 cc | 1368 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 248 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 131 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.9 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.9:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.5 seconds | 9.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1594 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 3580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.7 L/100km | 6.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 35 L |
