1998 Opel Astra vs. 2012 Fiat 500
To start off, 2012 Fiat 500 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Opel Astra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Opel Astra would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Fiat 500 (133 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1998 Opel Astra. (114 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Fiat 500 should accelerate faster than 1998 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Opel Astra weights approximately 270 kg more than 2012 Fiat 500.
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, 2012 Fiat 500 (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Opel Astra. (170 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 Fiat 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Opel Astra | 2012 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Opel | Fiat |
| Model | Astra | 500 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1368 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.6 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.2 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 3550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2310 mm |
