1965 Fiat 500 vs. 1979 Vauxhall Astra
To start off, 1979 Vauxhall Astra is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,296 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Vauxhall Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Vauxhall Astra (74 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1965 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Vauxhall Astra should accelerate faster than 1965 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Vauxhall Astra weights approximately 315 kg more than 1965 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1965 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 1965 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Vauxhall 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, 1979 Vauxhall Astra (101 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1979 Vauxhall Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
1965 Fiat 500 | 1979 Vauxhall Astra | |
Make | Fiat | Vauxhall |
Model | 500 | Astra |
Year Released | 1965 | 1979 |
Engine Position | Rear | Front |
Engine Size | 498 cc | 1296 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 22 HP | 74 HP |
Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 36 Nm | 101 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 855 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 4010 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1650 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2520 mm |