1971 Fiat 500 vs. 2005 Opel Vectra
To start off, 2005 Opel Vectra is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Opel Vectra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Opel Vectra (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 152 more horse power than 1971 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Opel Vectra should accelerate faster than 1971 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Opel Vectra weights approximately 960 kg more than 1971 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 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 1971 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Opel Vectra, 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, 2005 Opel Vectra (265 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 238 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2005 Opel Vectra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Fiat 500 | 2005 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | Fiat | Opel |
| Model | 500 | Vectra |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 497 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 265 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 61 L |
