1981 Fiat Panda vs. 2006 Holden Cruze
To start off, 2006 Holden Cruze is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Fiat Panda. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Fiat Panda would be higher. At 1,490 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Holden Cruze is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Holden Cruze (72 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1981 Fiat Panda. (34 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Holden Cruze should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Holden Cruze weights approximately 295 kg more than 1981 Fiat Panda. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Holden Cruze is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Fiat Panda. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Holden Cruze will offer significantly more control. 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, 2006 Holden Cruze (138 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat Panda. (58 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Holden Cruze will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat Panda.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Fiat Panda | 2006 Holden Cruze | |
| Make | Fiat | Holden |
| Model | Panda | Cruze |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 843 cc | 1490 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 58 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 690 kg | 985 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 3630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1500 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2170 mm | 2370 mm |
