1970 Fiat 500 vs. 1998 Opel Astra
To start off, 1998 Opel Astra is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Opel Astra (85 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1970 Fiat 500. (14 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1970 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Opel Astra weights approximately 800 kg more than 1970 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 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 1970 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1998 Opel Astra (185 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 161 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Fiat 500. (24 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1998 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Fiat 500 | 1998 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Fiat | Opel |
| Model | 500 | Astra |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 14 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 24 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 480 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3030 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1310 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2620 mm |
