1961 Fiat 600 vs. 1998 Opel Astra
To start off, 1998 Opel Astra is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Fiat 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Fiat 600 would be higher. At 1,686 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Opel Astra (74 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1961 Fiat 600. (23 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1961 Fiat 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Opel Astra weights approximately 340 kg more than 1961 Fiat 600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 Fiat 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 1961 Fiat 600. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1998 Opel Astra (167 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Fiat 600. (45 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1998 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Fiat 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Fiat 600 | 1998 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Fiat | Opel |
| Model | 600 | Astra |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 767 cc | 1686 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 23 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 45 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 18.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 830 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 53 L |
