1958 Fiat 500 vs. 2005 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 47 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (128 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 1958 Fiat 500. (14 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1958 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 947 kg more than 1958 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1958 Fiat 500 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1958 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Passat, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (195 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 171 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Fiat 500. (24 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Fiat 500 | 2005 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 500 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 479 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 14 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 24 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.1:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 470 kg | 1417 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 37 L | 62 L |
