2003 Fiat Panda vs. 1985 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2003 Fiat Panda is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Volkswagen Passat (70 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2003 Fiat Panda. (69 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2003 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 234 kg more than 2003 Fiat Panda. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2003 Fiat Panda (144 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Volkswagen Passat. (133 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2003 Fiat Panda will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Fiat Panda | 1985 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | Panda | Passat |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1251 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 69.6 mm | 76.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 23.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 861 kg | 1095 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2560 mm |
