1975 Mercedes-Benz 200 vs. 1996 Opel Astra
To start off, 1996 Opel Astra is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Mercedes-Benz 200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Mercedes-Benz 200 would be higher. At 1,988 cc (4 cylinders), 1975 Mercedes-Benz 200 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Opel Astra (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1975 Mercedes-Benz 200. (54 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1975 Mercedes-Benz 200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Mercedes-Benz 200 weights approximately 228 kg more than 1996 Opel Astra.
Because 1975 Mercedes-Benz 200 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 1975 Mercedes-Benz 200. 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 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Mercedes-Benz 200. (113 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1996 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Mercedes-Benz 200. 1975 Mercedes-Benz 200 has automatic transmission and 1996 Opel Astra has manual transmission. 1996 Opel Astra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1975 Mercedes-Benz 200 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Mercedes-Benz 200 | 1996 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Opel |
| Model | 200 | Astra |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 1389 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 113 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 77.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1378 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2620 mm |
