Volkswagen Golf vs. FIAT 500

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Volkswagen Golf and FIAT 500 contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Volkswagen Golf and the FIAT 500.

In comparing the Volkswagen Golf's and the FIAT 500's specifications and ratings, the Volkswagen Golf has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. The FIAT 500 has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and resale value. Based on this comparison of the Volkswagen Golf's and the FIAT 500's specifications and ratings, the Volkswagen Golf is a better car than the FIAT 500.

Pricing: A used 2019 Volkswagen Golf ranges from $13,085 to $20,998 while a used 2019 FIAT 500 is priced between $12,190 to $20,758.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Volkswagen Golf loses 34.5 percent of its value and the FIAT 500 loses 28.9 percent of its value. This means the FIAT 500 retains 5.7 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Volkswagen Golf.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Volkswagen Golf is 8.8 out of 10 while the FIAT 500's quality rating is 8.1 out of 10.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Volkswagen Golf is 8.2 out of 10. For the FIAT 500 the reliability rating is 7.6 out of 10. This gives the Volkswagen Golf a slight advantage in reliability compared to the FIAT 500.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Volkswagen Golf’s base engine makes 147 horsepower, and the FIAT 500 base engine makes 135 horsepower. The Golf is rated to deliver an average of 32 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 488 miles. The 500 is rated to deliver an average of 30 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 347 miles. This gives the Volkswagen Golf the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the FIAT 500. The Golf uses regular unleaded, and the 500 uses premium unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The Volkswagen Golf has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The FIAT 500 has the advantage in the area of front head room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Volkswagen Golf has higher safety ratings than the FIAT 500, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4 out of 5 Stars.