1959 Abarth 600 vs. 1991 Opel Astra
To start off, 1991 Opel Astra is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Abarth 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Abarth 600 would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1991 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Opel Astra (100 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 600. (41 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Opel Astra weights approximately 445 kg more than 1959 Abarth 600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Abarth 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 1959 Abarth 600. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1991 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, 1991 Opel Astra (135 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 600. (54 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1991 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 600 | 1991 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Abarth | Opel |
| Model | 600 | Astra |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 747 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 61 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2530 mm |
