1956 Buick 40 vs. 2012 Opel Astra
To start off, 2012 Opel Astra is newer by 56 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Buick 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Buick 40 would be higher. At 5,279 cc (8 cylinders), 1956 Buick 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Buick 40 (217 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2012 Opel Astra. (197 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1956 Buick 40 should accelerate faster than 2012 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Buick 40 weights approximately 79 kg more than 2012 Opel Astra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1956 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 1956 Buick 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 1956 Buick 40 (433 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 171 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Opel Astra. (262 Nm @ 1950 RPM). This means 1956 Buick 40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Buick 40 | 2012 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Buick | Opel |
| Model | 40 | Astra |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5279 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 433 Nm | 262 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1950 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1704 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2620 mm |
