1963 Fiat 500 vs. 2006 Opel Vectra
To start off, 2006 Opel Vectra is newer by 43 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 1,910 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Opel Vectra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Opel Vectra (118 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1963 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Opel Vectra should accelerate faster than 1963 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Opel Vectra weights approximately 963 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, 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 (280 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 244 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2006 Opel Vectra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Fiat 500 | 2006 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | Fiat | Opel |
| Model | 500 | Vectra |
| Year Released | 1963 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1910 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1503 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 37 L | 61 L |
