1956 Abarth 750 vs. 1979 Vauxhall Astra
To start off, 1979 Vauxhall Astra is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Abarth 750. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Abarth 750 would be higher. At 1,296 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Vauxhall Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Vauxhall Astra (74 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1956 Abarth 750. (41 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Vauxhall Astra should accelerate faster than 1956 Abarth 750. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Vauxhall Astra weights approximately 271 kg more than 1956 Abarth 750. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1956 Abarth 750 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 1956 Abarth 750. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Vauxhall 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, 1979 Vauxhall Astra (101 Nm) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Abarth 750. (54 Nm). This means 1979 Vauxhall Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Abarth 750. 1979 Vauxhall Astra has automatic transmission and 1956 Abarth 750 has manual transmission. 1956 Abarth 750 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Vauxhall Astra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Abarth 750 | 1979 Vauxhall Astra | |
| Make | Abarth | Vauxhall |
| Model | 750 | Astra |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 747 cc | 1296 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 101 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 584 kg | 855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3280 mm | 4010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2520 mm |
