Germany vs Italy — 1984 vs 1983
| Golf GTI Mk2 16V | Ritmo Abarth 130 TC | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 139 hp | 130 hp |
| Torque | 124 lb-ft | 131 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,781 cc | 1,995 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 8.0 sec | 7.8 sec |
| Top Speed | 129 mph | 124 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 16.0 sec | 15.9 sec |
| Weight | 2,271 lbs | 2,116 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,475 mm | 2,440 mm |
| Length | 3,985 mm | 3,990 mm |
| Original MSRP | $12,990 | — |
| Value (Excellent) | $30,000 | $35,000 |
| Collectibility | 7/10 | 6/10 |
| Rarity | 5/10 | 7/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1984 Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk2 16V brings higher top speed, stronger collectibility to the table, and the 1983 Fiat Ritmo Abarth 130 TC answers with quicker acceleration, lighter weight. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
The rivalry between Germany and Italy automotive industries has produced legendary matchups, and the 1984 Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk2 16V versus 1983 Fiat Ritmo Abarth 130 TC is among the most fascinating. These two cars represent the best of their national engineering schools. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1984 Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk2 16V producing 139 hp and the 1983 Fiat Ritmo Abarth 130 TC delivering 130 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Volkswagen Golf GTI uses a Inline-4 DOHC 16V displacing 1,781 cc, while the Fiat Ritmo relies on a Inline-4 DOHC with 1,995 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1983 Fiat Ritmo Abarth 130 TC edges ahead at 7.8 seconds versus 8.0 seconds. Both trade at comparable values on the collector market, making the choice between them largely one of personal preference.