1963 Mitsubishi 500 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 Mitsubishi 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Mitsubishi 500 would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Volkswagen Passat (108 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1963 Mitsubishi 500. (23 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1963 Mitsubishi 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 380 kg more than 1963 Mitsubishi 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1963 Mitsubishi 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 Mitsubishi 500. 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, 1973 Volkswagen Passat (140 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Mitsubishi 500. (34 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1973 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Mitsubishi 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Mitsubishi 500 | 1973 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Volkswagen |
| Model | 500 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 594 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 23 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 34 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 530 kg | 910 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3170 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1400 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2070 mm | 2480 mm |
