1968 Fiat 500 vs. 1989 Vauxhall Astra
To start off, 1989 Vauxhall Astra is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,700 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Vauxhall Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Vauxhall Astra (56 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1968 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Vauxhall Astra should accelerate faster than 1968 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Vauxhall Astra weights approximately 505 kg more than 1968 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 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 1968 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 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, 1989 Vauxhall Astra (105 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1989 Vauxhall Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Fiat 500 | 1989 Vauxhall Astra | |
| Make | Fiat | Vauxhall |
| Model | 500 | Astra |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 105 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1015 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3030 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2530 mm |
