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 2,496 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Volkswagen Passat (149 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 1969 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 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 1050 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 1999 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1969 Fiat 500. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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 (316 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 289 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 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 | 2496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 316 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3030 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2710 mm |
