1961 Fiat 1300 vs. 2002 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2002 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Fiat 1300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Fiat 1300 would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Volkswagen Passat (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1961 Fiat 1300. (71 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1961 Fiat 1300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 347 kg more than 1961 Fiat 1300. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 Fiat 1300 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 Fiat 1300. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 2002 Volkswagen Passat (241 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Fiat 1300. (106 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2002 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Fiat 1300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Fiat 1300 | 2002 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 1300 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1481 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 106 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 62 L |
