1962 Fiat 500 vs. 1996 Opel Vectra
To start off, 1996 Opel Vectra is newer by 34 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 1,799 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Opel Vectra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Opel Vectra (114 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1962 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Opel Vectra should accelerate faster than 1962 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Opel Vectra weights approximately 726 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.
Because 1962 Fiat 500 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 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Opel Vectra, 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 Vectra (170 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1996 Opel Vectra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Fiat 500 | 1996 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | Fiat | Opel |
| Model | 500 | Vectra |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1266 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1430 mm |
