1962 Honda S500 vs. 2005 Opel Astra
To start off, 2005 Opel Astra is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Honda S500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Honda S500 would be higher. At 1,908 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Opel Astra (100 HP @ 4300 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1962 Honda S500. (38 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1962 Honda S500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Opel Astra weights approximately 665 kg more than 1962 Honda S500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1962 Honda S500 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 Honda S500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2005 Opel Astra (230 Nm @ 1950 RPM) has 191 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Honda S500. (39 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 2005 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Honda S500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Honda S500 | 2005 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Honda | Opel |
| Model | S500 | Astra |
| Year Released | 1962 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 492 cc | 1908 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 1950 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 680 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3310 mm | 4120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 52 L |
