1961 Abarth 700 vs. 1986 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1986 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Abarth 700. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Abarth 700 would be higher. At 1,297 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Abarth 700 (63 HP @ 7600 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1986 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 Abarth 700 should accelerate faster than 1986 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 456 kg more than 1961 Abarth 700.
Because 1961 Abarth 700 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 1961 Abarth 700. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 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, 1986 Volkswagen Passat (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Abarth 700. (69 Nm @ 5800 RPM). This means 1986 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Abarth 700.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Abarth 700 | 1986 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Abarth | Volkswagen |
| Model | 700 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 696 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 63 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 69 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 1026 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2560 mm |
