1968 Fiat 500 vs. 2005 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (114 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1968 Fiat 500. (14 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1968 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 855 kg more than 1968 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 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 1968 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (140 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Fiat 500. (24 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Fiat 500 | 2005 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 500 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 497 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 14 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 24 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 480 kg | 1335 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3030 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1310 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 44 L | 62 L |
