1959 Fiat 1200 vs. 1983 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1983 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Fiat 1200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Fiat 1200 would be higher. At 1,297 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Volkswagen Passat (59 HP) has 2 more horse power than 1959 Fiat 1200. (57 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1959 Fiat 1200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 35 kg more than 1959 Fiat 1200. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Fiat 1200 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 Fiat 1200. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 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, 1983 Volkswagen Passat (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Fiat 1200. (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1983 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Fiat 1200.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Fiat 1200 | 1983 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 1200 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1220 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 57 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 905 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2560 mm |
