1960 Abarth 600 vs. 1996 Opel Astra
To start off, 1996 Opel Astra is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Abarth 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Abarth 600 would be higher. At 1,388 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Opel Astra (59 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1960 Abarth 600. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1960 Abarth 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Opel Astra weights approximately 420 kg more than 1960 Abarth 600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1960 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 1960 Abarth 600. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1996 Opel Astra (103 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Abarth 600. (54 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Abarth 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Abarth 600 | 1996 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Abarth | Opel |
| Model | 600 | Astra |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 745 cc | 1388 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 40 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 61 mm | 77.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1005 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 70 L |
