1962 BMW 1800 vs. 1998 Opel Astra
To start off, 1998 Opel Astra is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 BMW 1800. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 BMW 1800 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Opel Astra (134 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1962 BMW 1800. (90 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1962 BMW 1800. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Opel Astra weights approximately 217 kg more than 1962 BMW 1800. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1962 BMW 1800 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 1962 BMW 1800. 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 (188 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 BMW 1800. (144 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 BMW 1800.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 BMW 1800 | 1998 Opel Astra | |
| Make | BMW | Opel |
| Model | 1800 | Astra |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1771 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1043 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2620 mm |
