1959 Morris Minor 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 Morris Minor. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Morris Minor would be higher. At 1,910 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Opel Astra (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1959 Morris Minor. (36 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1959 Morris Minor. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Opel Astra weights approximately 603 kg more than 1959 Morris Minor. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Morris Minor 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 Morris Minor. 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 (320 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 252 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Morris Minor. (68 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2006 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Morris Minor.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Morris Minor | 2006 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Morris | Opel |
| Model | Minor | Astra |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1910 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 36 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 1393 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2190 mm | 2620 mm |
