2009 Fiat Panda vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2009 Fiat Panda is newer by 12 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 1,390 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (73 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2009 Fiat Panda. (53 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2009 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 175 kg more than 2009 Fiat Panda. 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, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (127 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Fiat Panda. (88 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Fiat Panda.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Fiat Panda | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | Panda | Golf |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1107 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 73 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 88 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Top Speed | 150 km/hour | 171 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 15 seconds | 14 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 915 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.7 L/100km | 6.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 55 L |
