2009 Fiat Panda vs. 1998 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2009 Fiat Panda is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Volkswagen Golf (89 HP @ 3750 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2009 Fiat Panda. (69 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2009 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 160 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.
Because 2009 Fiat Panda is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 1998 Volkswagen Golf (202 Nm @ 2250 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Fiat Panda. (180 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1998 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 | 1998 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | Panda | Golf |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1248 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 202 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 69.6 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 95.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2480 mm |
