1956 Hudson Metropolitan vs. 1996 Opel Astra
To start off, 1996 Opel Astra is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Hudson Metropolitan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Hudson Metropolitan would be higher. At 1,686 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Opel Astra (74 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1956 Hudson Metropolitan. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1956 Hudson Metropolitan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Opel Astra weights approximately 450 kg more than 1956 Hudson Metropolitan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1956 Hudson Metropolitan 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 Hudson Metropolitan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1996 Opel Astra (165 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Hudson Metropolitan. (76 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1996 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Hudson Metropolitan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Hudson Metropolitan | 1996 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Hudson | Opel |
| Model | Metropolitan | Astra |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 1686 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 76 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 810 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2170 mm | 2400 mm |
