1959 Fiat 1100 vs. 1979 Vauxhall Astra
To start off, 1979 Vauxhall Astra is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Fiat 1100. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Fiat 1100 would be higher. At 1,296 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Vauxhall Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Vauxhall Astra (74 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1959 Fiat 1100. (43 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Vauxhall Astra should accelerate faster than 1959 Fiat 1100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Fiat 1100 weights approximately 15 kg more than 1979 Vauxhall Astra.
Because 1959 Fiat 1100 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 Fiat 1100. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Vauxhall 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, 1979 Vauxhall Astra (101 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Fiat 1100. (73 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1979 Vauxhall Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Fiat 1100. 1979 Vauxhall Astra has automatic transmission and 1959 Fiat 1100 has manual transmission. 1959 Fiat 1100 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Vauxhall Astra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Fiat 1100 | 1979 Vauxhall Astra | |
| Make | Fiat | Vauxhall |
| Model | 1100 | Astra |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1089 cc | 1296 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 43 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 73 Nm | 101 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 4010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1460 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2520 mm |
