2007 Fiat Panda vs. 1981 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2007 Fiat Panda is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 1,296 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 59 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Fiat Panda weights approximately 25 kg more than 1981 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 2007 Fiat Panda is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 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, 2007 Fiat Panda (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2007 Fiat Panda will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Fiat Panda | 1981 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | Panda | Passat |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1241 cc | 1296 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.8 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.9 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
| 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 | 965 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1600 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 L | 60 L |
