1960 Fiat 500 vs. 1971 Opel Kadett
To start off, 1971 Opel Kadett is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,196 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Opel Kadett is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Opel Kadett (59 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1960 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Opel Kadett should accelerate faster than 1960 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Opel Kadett weights approximately 205 kg more than 1960 Fiat 500. 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, 1971 Opel Kadett (88 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Fiat 500. (30 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1971 Opel Kadett will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Fiat 500 | 1971 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Fiat | Opel |
| Model | 500 | Kadett |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 500 cc | 1196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 30 Nm | 88 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 61 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.1:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1960 mm | 2430 mm |
