1959 Fiat 1500 vs. 1988 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1988 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Fiat 1500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Fiat 1500 would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Fiat 1500 (80 HP) has 1 more horse power than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. (79 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Fiat 1500 should accelerate faster than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 225 kg more than 1959 Fiat 1500.
Because 1959 Fiat 1500 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 1500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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, 1988 Volkswagen Passat (150 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Fiat 1500. (104 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Fiat 1500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Fiat 1500 | 1988 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 1500 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1490 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 79 HP |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1215 kg |
