1959 Steyr 500 vs. 1978 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1978 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Steyr 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Steyr 500 would be higher. At 1,272 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Volkswagen Passat (59 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1959 Steyr 500. (16 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1959 Steyr 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 435 kg more than 1959 Steyr 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Steyr 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 Steyr 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 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, 1978 Volkswagen Passat (95 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Steyr 500. (32 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1978 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Steyr 500.
Compare all specifications:
1959 Steyr 500 | 1978 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | Steyr | Volkswagen |
Model | 500 | Passat |
Year Released | 1959 | 1978 |
Engine Size | 491 cc | 1272 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 16 HP | 59 HP |
Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 32 Nm | 95 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Vehicle Weight | 445 kg | 880 kg |
Vehicle Length | 2970 mm | 4300 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1630 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1370 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2480 mm |