1962 Fiat 500 vs. 2006 Opel Vectra
To start off, 2006 Opel Vectra is newer by 44 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 2,197 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Opel Vectra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Opel Vectra (153 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 1962 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Opel Vectra should accelerate faster than 1962 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Opel Vectra weights approximately 1065 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, 2006 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, 2006 Opel Vectra (220 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 184 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 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 | 2006 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | Fiat | Opel |
| Model | 500 | Vectra |
| Year Released | 1962 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 2197 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.1:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 485 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 60 L |
