1969 Fiat 500 vs. 2012 Opel Astra

To start off, 2012 Opel Astra is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Opel Astra (197 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 183 more horse power than 1969 Fiat 500. (14 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1969 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Opel Astra weights approximately 1145 kg more than 1969 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 1969 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 1969 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Opel Astra (262 Nm @ 1950 RPM) has 238 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Fiat 500. (24 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2012 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Fiat 500.

Compare all specifications:

1969 Fiat 500 2012 Opel Astra
Make Fiat Opel
Model 500 Astra
Year Released 1969 2012
Engine Position Rear Front
Engine Size 499 cc 1998 cc
Engine Cylinders 2 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Valves per Cylinder 2 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 14 HP 197 HP
Engine RPM 4000 RPM 5400 RPM
Torque 24 Nm 262 Nm
Torque RPM 3400 RPM 1950 RPM
Engine Compression Ratio 9.8:1 8.8:1
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Manual Manual
Number of Seats 4 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 480 kg 1625 kg
Vehicle Length 3030 mm 4300 mm
Vehicle Width 1310 mm 1760 mm
Vehicle Height 1200 mm 1440 mm
Wheelbase Size 1850 mm 2620 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 37 L 52 L


 

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