2008 Fiat 500 vs. 1996 Opel Astra
To start off, 2008 Fiat 500 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Opel Astra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Opel Astra would be higher. At 1,388 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Fiat 500 (73 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1996 Opel Astra. (59 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Fiat 500 should accelerate faster than 1996 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Opel Astra weights approximately 75 kg more than 2008 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, 2008 Fiat 500 (131 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Opel Astra. (103 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2008 Fiat 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Fiat 500 | 1996 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Fiat | Opel |
| Model | 500 | Astra |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1368 cc | 1388 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 77.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1005 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3550 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 70 L |
