1968 Fiat 850 vs. 2002 Opel Astra
To start off, 2002 Opel Astra is newer by 34 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 1,584 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Opel Astra (101 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1968 Fiat 850. (41 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1968 Fiat 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Opel Astra weights approximately 624 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, 2002 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, 2002 Opel Astra (149 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Fiat 850. (60 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2002 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Fiat 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Fiat 850 | 2002 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Fiat | Opel |
| Model | 850 | Astra |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 841 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 149 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 726 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3610 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 L | 52 L |
