1970 Fiat 850 vs. 2000 Opel Astra
To start off, 2000 Opel Astra is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Fiat 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Fiat 850 would be higher. At 1,389 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Opel Astra (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1970 Fiat 850. (51 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1970 Fiat 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Opel Astra weights approximately 455 kg more than 1970 Fiat 850. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 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 1970 Fiat 850. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 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, 2000 Opel Astra (127 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Fiat 850. (66 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2000 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Fiat 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Fiat 850 | 2000 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Fiat | Opel |
| Model | 850 | Astra |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 903 cc | 1389 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 66 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 735 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2620 mm |
