1959 Abarth 500 vs. 2005 Opel Vectra
To start off, 2005 Opel Vectra is newer by 46 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Abarth 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Abarth 500 would be higher. At 2,958 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Opel Vectra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Opel Vectra (175 HP) has 155 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 500. (20 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Opel Vectra should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Opel Vectra weights approximately 1168 kg more than 1959 Abarth 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Abarth 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 1959 Abarth 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Opel Vectra, 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, 2005 Opel Vectra (370 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 338 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 500. (32 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Opel Vectra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 500. 2005 Opel Vectra has automatic transmission and 1959 Abarth 500 has manual transmission. 1959 Abarth 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Opel Vectra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 500 | 2005 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | Abarth | Opel |
| Model | 500 | Vectra |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 479 cc | 2958 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 175 HP |
| Torque | 32 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 87.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 82 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 445 kg | 1613 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 61 L |
