1960 Fiat 500 vs. 2009 Opel Astra
To start off, 2009 Opel Astra is newer by 49 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,589 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Opel Astra (104 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1960 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1960 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Opel Astra weights approximately 675 kg more than 1960 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1960 Fiat 500 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 1960 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Opel Astra, 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, 2009 Opel Astra (150 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Fiat 500. (30 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2009 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Fiat 500 | 2009 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Fiat | Opel |
| Model | 500 | Astra |
| Year Released | 1960 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 500 cc | 1589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 30 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 79.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.1:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1960 mm | 2620 mm |
