1963 Fiat 500 vs. 1982 Opel Ascona
To start off, 1982 Opel Ascona is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,295 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Opel Ascona is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Opel Ascona (75 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1963 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Opel Ascona should accelerate faster than 1963 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Opel Ascona weights approximately 465 kg more than 1963 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1963 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 1963 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 Opel Ascona, 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, 1982 Opel Ascona (101 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1982 Opel Ascona will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Fiat 500. 1982 Opel Ascona has automatic transmission and 1963 Fiat 500 has manual transmission. 1963 Fiat 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1982 Opel Ascona will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Fiat 500 | 1982 Opel Ascona | |
| Make | Fiat | Opel |
| Model | 500 | Ascona |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1982 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 101 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 485 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2580 mm |
