1970 Fiat 124 vs. 1980 Vauxhall Astra
To start off, 1980 Vauxhall Astra is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Fiat 124. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Fiat 124 would be higher. At 1,592 cc (4 cylinders), 1970 Fiat 124 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Fiat 124 (95 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1980 Vauxhall Astra. (74 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 Fiat 124 should accelerate faster than 1980 Vauxhall Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Fiat 124 weights approximately 105 kg more than 1980 Vauxhall Astra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 Fiat 124 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 Fiat 124. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Vauxhall 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 Fiat 124 (126 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Vauxhall Astra. (102 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1970 Fiat 124 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Vauxhall Astra. 1980 Vauxhall Astra has automatic transmission and 1970 Fiat 124 has manual transmission. 1970 Fiat 124 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Vauxhall Astra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Fiat 124 | 1980 Vauxhall Astra | |
| Make | Fiat | Vauxhall |
| Model | 124 | Astra |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1592 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 95 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 4010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2520 mm |
