1959 BMW 700 vs. 1998 Opel Astra
To start off, 1998 Opel Astra is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 BMW 700. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 BMW 700 would be higher. At 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Opel Astra (74 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1959 BMW 700. (39 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1959 BMW 700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Opel Astra weights approximately 490 kg more than 1959 BMW 700. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 BMW 700 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 1959 BMW 700. 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, 1998 Opel Astra (130 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 BMW 700. (50 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 BMW 700.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 BMW 700 | 1998 Opel Astra | |
| Make | BMW | Opel |
| Model | 700 | Astra |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 695 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 50 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 630 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2620 mm |
