1965 Fiat 500 vs. 2011 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 46 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Passat (158 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 136 more horse power than 1965 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1965 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 1767 kg more than 1965 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1965 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 1965 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 2011 Volkswagen Passat (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 214 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Fiat 500 | 2011 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 500 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1965 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 498 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69 mm | 84.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 70 L |
