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 (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 82 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 992 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, 2008 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (251 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 215 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 3500 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 | Station Wagon |
| 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 | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 95.5 mm |
| 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 | 1477 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 70 L |
