1973 Fiat 500 vs. 1973 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, both 1973 Fiat 500 and 1973 Volkswagen Passat were released in the same year (1973). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 1,471 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Volkswagen Passat (74 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 355 kg more than 1973 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 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 1973 Fiat 500. 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 (115 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 500. (37 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1973 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Fiat 500 | 1973 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 500 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 594 cc | 1471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 37 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 525 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2480 mm |
