1956 Fiat 600 vs. 1998 Opel Astra
To start off, 1998 Opel Astra is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Fiat 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Fiat 600 would be higher. At 1,389 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Opel Astra (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1956 Fiat 600. (20 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1956 Fiat 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Opel Astra weights approximately 400 kg more than 1956 Fiat 600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1956 Fiat 600 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 1956 Fiat 600. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Opel Astra, 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, 1998 Opel Astra (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Fiat 600. (41 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Fiat 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Fiat 600 | 1998 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Fiat | Opel |
| Model | 600 | Astra |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 633 cc | 1389 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 41 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3550 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2620 mm |
