2008 Fiat 500 vs. 1963 Opel Rekord
To start off, 2008 Fiat 500 is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Opel Rekord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Opel Rekord would be higher. At 1,487 cc (4 cylinders), 1963 Opel Rekord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Fiat 500 (68 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1963 Opel Rekord. (53 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Fiat 500 should accelerate faster than 1963 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 Opel Rekord weights approximately 105 kg more than 2008 Fiat 500.
Because 1963 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 1963 Opel Rekord. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 1963 Opel Rekord (108 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Fiat 500. (102 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1963 Opel Rekord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Fiat 500 | 1963 Opel Rekord | |
| Make | Fiat | Opel |
| Model | 500 | Rekord |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1963 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1242 cc | 1487 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.9 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.9 mm | 74 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 865 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3550 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2650 mm |
