1963 Abarth 1600 vs. 1973 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1973 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Abarth 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Abarth 1600 would be higher. Both 1963 Abarth 1600 and 1973 Volkswagen Passat are equipped with a 1,588 cc engine. In terms of performance, 1963 Abarth 1600 (155 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. (108 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1963 Abarth 1600 should accelerate faster than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 166 kg more than 1963 Abarth 1600.
Because 1963 Abarth 1600 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 1963 Abarth 1600. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 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, 1963 Abarth 1600 (167 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. (140 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1963 Abarth 1600 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Abarth 1600 | 1973 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Abarth | Volkswagen |
| Model | 1600 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68.5 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 744 kg | 910 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2100 mm | 2480 mm |
