1968 Fiat 850 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 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Fiat 850 would be higher. At 1,196 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Vauxhall Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Vauxhall Astra (53 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1968 Fiat 850. (51 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Vauxhall Astra should accelerate faster than 1968 Fiat 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Vauxhall Astra weights approximately 115 kg more than 1968 Fiat 850. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Fiat 850 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 850. 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 (85 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Fiat 850. (65 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1989 Vauxhall Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Fiat 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Fiat 850 | 1989 Vauxhall Astra | |
| Make | Fiat | Vauxhall |
| Model | 850 | Astra |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 903 cc | 1196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 65 Nm | 85 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 715 kg | 830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2030 mm | 2530 mm |
