1969 Fiat 500 vs. 1999 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,595 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Volkswagen Passat (100 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1969 Fiat 500. (14 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1969 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 795 kg more than 1969 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1969 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 1969 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1999 Volkswagen Passat (141 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Fiat 500. (24 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1999 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Fiat 500 | 1999 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 500 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 14 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 24 Nm | 141 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 480 kg | 1275 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3030 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1310 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 37 L | 55 L |
