1961 Fiat 500 vs. 1990 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1990 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,780 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Volkswagen Passat (157 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 135 more horse power than 1961 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1961 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 780 kg more than 1961 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1961 Fiat 500. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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, 1990 Volkswagen Passat (225 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 189 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1990 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Fiat 500 | 1990 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 500 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1780 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.1:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2630 mm |
