1973 Fiat 500 vs. 1980 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1980 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,587 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Volkswagen Passat (53 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 510 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, 1980 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, 1980 Volkswagen Passat (100 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1980 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 | 1980 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 500 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 60 L |
