1968 Fiat 500 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 44 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 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 152 more horse power than 1968 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1968 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 926 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, 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, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 213 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2012 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 | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 500 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1436 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3030 mm | 4769 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2712 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 70 L |
