1951 Austin A vs. 1998 Opel Astra
To start off, 1998 Opel Astra is newer by 47 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Austin A. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Austin A would be higher. At 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Opel Astra (74 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1951 Austin A. (29 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1951 Austin A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Opel Astra weights approximately 435 kg more than 1951 Austin A. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1951 Austin A 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 1951 Austin A. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1998 Opel Astra (130 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Austin A. (54 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1998 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Austin A.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Austin A | 1998 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Austin | Opel |
| Model | A | Astra |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 803 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 685 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3470 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2030 mm | 2620 mm |
