1968 Opel Rekord vs. 2012 Fiat 500
To start off, 2012 Fiat 500 is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Opel Rekord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Opel Rekord would be higher. At 1,490 cc (4 cylinders), 1968 Opel Rekord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Fiat 500 (101 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1968 Opel Rekord. (59 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Fiat 500 should accelerate faster than 1968 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Fiat 500 weights approximately 103 kg more than 1968 Opel Rekord. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Opel Rekord 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 Opel Rekord. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Fiat 500, 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, 2012 Fiat 500 (133 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Opel Rekord. (105 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2012 Fiat 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Opel Rekord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Opel Rekord | 2012 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Opel | Fiat |
| Model | Rekord | 500 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1490 cc | 1368 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1128 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 3546 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1628 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1519 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2301 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 40 L |
