2004 Fiat Panda vs. 1997 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2004 Fiat Panda is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 1,780 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Passat (123 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 2004 Fiat Panda. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2004 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 250 kg more than 2004 Fiat Panda. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Fiat Panda is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Fiat Panda will offer significantly more control. 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, 1997 Volkswagen Passat (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Fiat Panda. (98 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Fiat Panda.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Fiat Panda | 1997 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | Panda | Passat |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1242 cc | 1780 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 98 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.8 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.9 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1100 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 L | 55 L |
