1960 Fiat 500 vs. 2007 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 47 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volkswagen Passat (113 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1960 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1960 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 873 kg more than 1960 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1960 Fiat 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 1960 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 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, 2007 Volkswagen Passat (155 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Fiat 500. (30 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2007 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Fiat 500. 2007 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 1960 Fiat 500 has manual transmission. 1960 Fiat 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Fiat 500 | 2007 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 500 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1960 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 500 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 30 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 86.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.1:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1428 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1960 mm | 2720 mm |
