1959 Fiat 2100 vs. 1974 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1974 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Fiat 2100. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Fiat 2100 would be higher. At 2,052 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Fiat 2100 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Fiat 2100 (80 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. (74 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Fiat 2100 should accelerate faster than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Fiat 2100 weights approximately 14 kg more than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Fiat 2100 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 2100. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 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, 1959 Fiat 2100 (144 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. (121 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1959 Fiat 2100 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Fiat 2100 | 1974 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 2100 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2052 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73.5 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 934 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2480 mm |
