1959 Abarth 500 vs. 1985 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1985 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Abarth 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Abarth 500 would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Volkswagen Passat (70 HP) has 50 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 500. (20 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 650 kg more than 1959 Abarth 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Abarth 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 1959 Abarth 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 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, 1985 Volkswagen Passat (133 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 500. (32 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1985 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 500 | 1985 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Abarth | Volkswagen |
| Model | 500 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 479 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 70 HP |
| Torque | 32 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 76.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 445 kg | 1095 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2560 mm |
