1972 Fiat 124 vs. 2011 Volkswagen Passat

To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Fiat 124. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Fiat 124 would be higher. At 1,968 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Passat (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1972 Fiat 124. (116 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1972 Fiat 124. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 281 kg more than 1972 Fiat 124. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 1972 Fiat 124 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 1972 Fiat 124. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 2011 Volkswagen Passat (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 168 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Fiat 124. (152 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Fiat 124. 2011 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 1972 Fiat 124 has manual transmission. 1972 Fiat 124 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1972 Fiat 124 2011 Volkswagen Passat
Make Fiat Volkswagen
Model 124 Passat
Year Released 1972 2011
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1747 cc 1968 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Valves per Cylinder 2 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 116 HP 138 HP
Engine RPM 6000 RPM 4000 RPM
Torque 152 Nm 320 Nm
Torque RPM 4000 RPM 1750 RPM
Engine Compression Ratio 9.8:1 18.5:1
Fuel Type Gasoline Diesel
Top Speed 185 km/hour 204 km/hour
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 2 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 4 doors
Vehicle Weight 966 kg 1247 kg
Vehicle Length 3980 mm 4770 mm
Vehicle Width 1620 mm 1830 mm
Vehicle Height 1260 mm 1480 mm
Wheelbase Size 2290 mm 2720 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 45 L 70 L