1961 Mercedes-Benz SE vs. 2000 Opel Astra
To start off, 2000 Opel Astra is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE would be higher. At 2,193 cc (6 cylinders), 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Opel Astra (153 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE. (118 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE weights approximately 320 kg more than 2000 Opel Astra.
Because 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE 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 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 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, 2000 Opel Astra (203 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE. (189 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2000 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE | 2000 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Opel |
| Model | SE | Astra |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2193 cc | 2170 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 189 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 52 L |
