1962 Fiat 500 vs. 1977 Opel Kadett
To start off, 1977 Opel Kadett is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,196 cc (4 cylinders), 1977 Opel Kadett is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Opel Kadett (51 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1962 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Opel Kadett should accelerate faster than 1962 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Opel Kadett weights approximately 280 kg more than 1962 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, 1977 Opel Kadett (80 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1977 Opel Kadett will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Fiat 500 | 1977 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Fiat | Opel |
| Model | 500 | Kadett |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1977 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 80 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 37 L | 43 L |
