2009 Fiat Panda vs. 1988 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2009 Fiat Panda is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,272 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Fiat Panda (59 HP) has 6 more horse power than 1988 Volkswagen Golf. (53 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Fiat Panda should accelerate faster than 1988 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Fiat Panda weights approximately 30 kg more than 1988 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2009 Fiat Panda (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Volkswagen Golf. (96 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2009 Fiat Panda will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Fiat Panda | 1988 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | Panda | Golf |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1242 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 53 HP |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 860 kg | 830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.6 L/100km | 6.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 55 L |
