1966 Fiat 850 vs. 2003 Opel Astra
To start off, 2003 Opel Astra is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Fiat 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Fiat 850 would be higher. At 2,198 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Opel Astra (148 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1966 Fiat 850. (41 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1966 Fiat 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Opel Astra weights approximately 572 kg more than 1966 Fiat 850. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1966 Fiat 850 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 1966 Fiat 850. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2003 Opel Astra (203 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Fiat 850. (60 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2003 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Fiat 850. 2003 Opel Astra has automatic transmission and 1966 Fiat 850 has manual transmission. 1966 Fiat 850 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Opel Astra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Fiat 850 | 2003 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Fiat | Opel |
| Model | 850 | Astra |
| Year Released | 1966 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 843 cc | 2198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 726 kg | 1298 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3610 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 L | 52 L |
