1961 Fiat 850 vs. 2007 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 46 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Fiat 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Fiat 850 would be higher. At 1,968 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volkswagen Passat (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1961 Fiat 850. (51 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1961 Fiat 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 972 kg more than 1961 Fiat 850. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 Fiat 850 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 850. 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 (320 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 251 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Fiat 850. (69 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2007 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Fiat 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Fiat 850 | 2007 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 850 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 69 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 153 km/hour | 201 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 613 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3290 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 70 L |
