1962 Fiat 500 vs. 1994 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1994 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 32 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 1,982 cc (4 cylinders), 1994 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Volkswagen Passat (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1962 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1962 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 800 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, 1994 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, 1994 Volkswagen Passat (202 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 166 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1994 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 | 1994 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 500 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1994 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 202 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.1:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| 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 | 1285 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 70 L |
