1974 Fiat 500 vs. 1974 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, both 1974 Fiat 500 and 1974 Volkswagen Passat were released in the same year (1974). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 1,271 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Volkswagen Passat (59 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1974 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1974 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 404 kg more than 1974 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 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 1974 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 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, 1974 Volkswagen Passat (94 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1974 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Fiat 500 | 1974 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 500 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1271 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 72 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 516 kg | 920 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 |
