1962 Fiat 1300 vs. 1998 Opel Astra
To start off, 1998 Opel Astra is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Fiat 1300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Fiat 1300 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 10 more horse power than 1962 Fiat 1300. (64 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1962 Fiat 1300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Opel Astra weights approximately 210 kg more than 1962 Fiat 1300. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1962 Fiat 1300 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 1962 Fiat 1300. 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 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Fiat 1300. (93 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1998 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Fiat 1300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Fiat 1300 | 1998 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Fiat | Opel |
| Model | 1300 | Astra |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1295 cc | 1686 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 93 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 18.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 37 L | 53 L |
