1981 Fiat 127 vs. 1996 Opel Astra
To start off, 1996 Opel Astra is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Fiat 127. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Fiat 127 would be higher. At 1,389 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Opel Astra (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1981 Fiat 127. (44 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat 127. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Opel Astra weights approximately 315 kg more than 1981 Fiat 127. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1996 Opel Astra (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat 127. (76 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat 127.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Fiat 127 | 1996 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Fiat | Opel |
| Model | 127 | Astra |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1290 cc | 1389 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 76 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.1 mm | 77.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 835 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3930 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2620 mm |
