1971 Fiat 500 vs. 2007 Opel Astra
To start off, 2007 Opel Astra is newer by 36 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Opel Astra (123 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1971 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1971 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Opel Astra weights approximately 768 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, 2007 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, 2007 Opel Astra (170 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2007 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Fiat 500 | 2007 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Fiat | Opel |
| Model | 500 | Astra |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 497 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 80.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 88.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1278 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 52 L |
