1972 Peugeot 204 vs. 1979 Vauxhall Astra
To start off, 1979 Vauxhall Astra is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Peugeot 204. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Peugeot 204 would be higher. At 1,296 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Vauxhall Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Vauxhall Astra (74 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1972 Peugeot 204. (47 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Vauxhall Astra should accelerate faster than 1972 Peugeot 204. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Peugeot 204 weights approximately 10 kg more than 1979 Vauxhall Astra.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear 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, 1979 Vauxhall Astra (101 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Peugeot 204. (84 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Vauxhall Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Peugeot 204. 1979 Vauxhall Astra has automatic transmission and 1972 Peugeot 204 has manual transmission. 1972 Peugeot 204 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Vauxhall Astra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Peugeot 204 | 1979 Vauxhall Astra | |
| Make | Peugeot | Vauxhall |
| Model | 204 | Astra |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1128 cc | 1296 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 101 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 865 kg | 855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2520 mm |
