1978 Opel Rekord vs. 2013 Fiat 500
To start off, 2013 Fiat 500 is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Opel Rekord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Opel Rekord would be higher. At 2,260 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Opel Rekord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Fiat 500 (101 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1978 Opel Rekord. (64 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Fiat 500 should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Rekord weights approximately 223 kg more than 2013 Fiat 500.
Because 1978 Opel Rekord 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 1978 Opel Rekord. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Fiat 500, 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, 2013 Fiat 500 (133 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Rekord. (126 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2013 Fiat 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Rekord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Opel Rekord | 2013 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Opel | Fiat |
| Model | Rekord | 500 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2260 cc | 1368 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1295 kg | 1072 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 3546 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1628 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1519 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2301 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 40 L |
