1962 Fiat 500 vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 46 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 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (128 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 1962 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1962 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 810 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 2008 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1962 Fiat 500. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 274 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2008 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 | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 500 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1962 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 37 L | 62 L |
