1962 Fiat 500 vs. 1979 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1979 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,471 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Volkswagen Passat (49 HP) has 27 more horse power than 1962 Fiat 500. (22 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1962 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 460 kg more than 1962 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1962 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 1962 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 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, 1979 Volkswagen Passat (82 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1979 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Fiat 500 | 1979 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 500 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 49 HP |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 82 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 76.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.1:1 | 23.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 485 kg | 945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 45 L |
