1966 Maserati Mistral vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 46 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Maserati Mistral. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Maserati Mistral would be higher. At 4,014 cc (6 cylinders), 1966 Maserati Mistral is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Maserati Mistral (252 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1966 Maserati Mistral should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 171 kg more than 1966 Maserati Mistral.
Because 1966 Maserati Mistral 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 1966 Maserati Mistral. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 1966 Maserati Mistral (363 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1966 Maserati Mistral will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Maserati Mistral | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Maserati | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mistral | Passat |
| Year Released | 1966 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4014 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 252 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1265 kg | 1436 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4769 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2712 mm |
