1970 Buick Skylark vs. 1996 Opel Astra
To start off, 1996 Opel Astra is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Buick Skylark. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Buick Skylark would be higher. At 5,724 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Buick Skylark is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Buick Skylark (195 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 1996 Opel Astra. (74 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 Buick Skylark should accelerate faster than 1996 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Buick Skylark weights approximately 369 kg more than 1996 Opel Astra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 Buick Skylark 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 1970 Buick Skylark. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1970 Buick Skylark (393 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 228 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Opel Astra. (165 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1970 Buick Skylark will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Buick Skylark | 1996 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Buick | Opel |
| Model | Skylark | Astra |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5724 cc | 1686 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 195 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 393 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 18.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 165 km/hour | 175 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1629 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 4120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2400 mm |
