1953 Buick 40 vs. 1998 Opel Astra
To start off, 1998 Opel Astra is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1953 Buick 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1953 Buick 40 would be higher. At 4,315 cc (8 cylinders), 1953 Buick 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1953 Buick 40 (123 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1998 Opel Astra. (74 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1953 Buick 40 should accelerate faster than 1998 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1953 Buick 40 weights approximately 495 kg more than 1998 Opel Astra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1953 Buick 40 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 1953 Buick 40. 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, 1953 Buick 40 (304 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Opel Astra. (167 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1953 Buick 40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1953 Buick 40 | 1998 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Buick | Opel |
| Model | 40 | Astra |
| Year Released | 1953 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4315 cc | 1686 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.9 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 104.8 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1665 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1700 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3090 mm | 2650 mm |
