1974 Alfa Romeo Junior vs. 1996 Opel Astra
To start off, 1996 Opel Astra is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Alfa Romeo Junior. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Alfa Romeo Junior would be higher. At 1,389 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Opel Astra (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1974 Alfa Romeo Junior. (86 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1974 Alfa Romeo Junior. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Opel Astra weights approximately 180 kg more than 1974 Alfa Romeo Junior. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Alfa Romeo Junior 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 1974 Alfa Romeo Junior. 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, 1996 Opel Astra (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Alfa Romeo Junior. (115 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1996 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Alfa Romeo Junior.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Alfa Romeo Junior | 1996 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Opel |
| Model | Junior | Astra |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1290 cc | 1389 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 115 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3910 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2620 mm |
