1963 Fiat 500 vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,967 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (168 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 146 more horse power than 1963 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1963 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 1047 kg more than 1963 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1963 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 1963 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 (350 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 314 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 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 1963 Fiat 500. 2008 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 1963 Fiat 500 has manual transmission. 1963 Fiat 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Fiat 500 | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 500 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1963 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 485 kg | 1532 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 70 L |
