1958 Abarth 750 vs. 1981 Vauxhall Astra
To start off, 1981 Vauxhall Astra is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Abarth 750. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Abarth 750 would be higher. At 1,196 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Vauxhall Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 Abarth 750 (60 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1981 Vauxhall Astra. (59 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1958 Abarth 750 should accelerate faster than 1981 Vauxhall Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Vauxhall Astra weights approximately 300 kg more than 1958 Abarth 750.
Because 1958 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 1958 Abarth 750. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 1981 Vauxhall Astra (88 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Abarth 750. (69 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1981 Vauxhall Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Abarth 750.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Abarth 750 | 1981 Vauxhall Astra | |
| Make | Abarth | Vauxhall |
| Model | 750 | Astra |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 747 cc | 1196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 60 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 69 Nm | 88 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 4010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2520 mm |
