1968 Fiat 600 vs. 1973 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1973 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Fiat 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Fiat 600 would be higher. At 1,471 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Volkswagen Passat (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1968 Fiat 600. (23 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1968 Fiat 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 85 kg more than 1968 Fiat 600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Fiat 600 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 600. 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 (82 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Fiat 600. (45 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1973 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Fiat 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Fiat 600 | 1973 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 600 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 767 cc | 1471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 23 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 45 Nm | 82 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 23.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 830 kg | 915 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3550 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 45 L |
