1968 Fiat 500 vs. 2001 Opel Astra
To start off, 2001 Opel Astra is newer by 33 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 1,389 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Opel Astra (88 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1968 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1968 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Opel Astra weights approximately 680 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, 2001 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, 2001 Opel Astra (127 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2001 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
1968 Fiat 500 | 2001 Opel Astra | |
Make | Fiat | Opel |
Model | 500 | Astra |
Year Released | 1968 | 2001 |
Engine Position | Rear | Front |
Engine Size | 499 cc | 1389 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 18 HP | 88 HP |
Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 27 Nm | 127 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1190 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3030 mm | 4300 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1470 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2620 mm |