1961 Fiat 500 vs. 2005 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 44 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 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (170 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 1961 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1961 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 914 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 1961 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 1961 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (226 Nm) has 190 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Fiat 500. (36 Nm). This means 2005 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 | 2005 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 500 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 86 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1454 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2690 mm |
