1974 Fiat 500 vs. 2005 Opel Astra
To start off, 2005 Opel Astra is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,909 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Opel Astra (197 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 179 more horse power than 1974 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1974 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Opel Astra weights approximately 974 kg more than 1974 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 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 1974 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2005 Opel Astra (250 Nm @ 1950 RPM) has 223 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2005 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Fiat 500 | 2005 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Fiat | Opel |
| Model | 500 | Astra |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1909 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 86 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 516 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 52 L |
