1971 Oldsmobile 442 vs. 2001 Opel Astra
To start off, 2001 Opel Astra is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Oldsmobile 442. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Oldsmobile 442 would be higher. At 7,467 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Oldsmobile 442 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Opel Astra (437 HP @ 7350 RPM) has 177 more horse power than 1971 Oldsmobile 442. (260 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1971 Oldsmobile 442. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Oldsmobile 442 weights approximately 580 kg more than 2001 Opel Astra.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2001 Opel Astra (531 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Oldsmobile 442. (502 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2001 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Oldsmobile 442. 1971 Oldsmobile 442 has automatic transmission and 2001 Opel Astra has manual transmission. 2001 Opel Astra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Oldsmobile 442 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Oldsmobile 442 | 2001 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Opel |
| Model | 442 | Astra |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7467 cc | 3998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 437 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 7350 RPM |
| Torque | 502 Nm | 531 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1730 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5180 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2620 mm |
