1959 Fiat 1500 vs. 1968 Opel Diplomat
To start off, 1968 Opel Diplomat is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Fiat 1500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Fiat 1500 would be higher. At 5,354 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Opel Diplomat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Opel Diplomat (227 HP) has 147 more horse power than 1959 Fiat 1500. (80 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Opel Diplomat should accelerate faster than 1959 Fiat 1500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Opel Diplomat weights approximately 700 kg more than 1959 Fiat 1500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1968 Opel Diplomat (427 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 323 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Fiat 1500. (104 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1968 Opel Diplomat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Fiat 1500. 1968 Opel Diplomat has automatic transmission and 1959 Fiat 1500 has manual transmission. 1959 Fiat 1500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1968 Opel Diplomat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Fiat 1500 | 1968 Opel Diplomat | |
| Make | Fiat | Opel |
| Model | 1500 | Diplomat |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1490 cc | 5354 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 227 HP |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 427 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 169 km/hour | 202 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 37 L | 80 L |
