1959 Lancia Appia vs. 2006 Opel Astra
To start off, 2006 Opel Astra is newer by 47 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Lancia Appia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Lancia Appia would be higher. At 1,248 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Opel Astra (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1959 Lancia Appia. (52 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1959 Lancia Appia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Opel Astra weights approximately 380 kg more than 1959 Lancia Appia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Lancia Appia 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 Lancia Appia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Opel Astra (201 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Lancia Appia. (87 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Lancia Appia. 2006 Opel Astra has automatic transmission and 1959 Lancia Appia has manual transmission. 1959 Lancia Appia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Opel Astra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Lancia Appia | 2006 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Lancia | Opel |
| Model | Appia | Astra |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1090 cc | 1248 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 52 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 87 Nm | 201 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2620 mm |
