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 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volkswagen Passat (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 146 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 850 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 (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 211 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 | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 69 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 153 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 613 kg | 1463 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3290 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 70 L |
