1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante vs. 1996 Opel Astra
To start off, 1996 Opel Astra is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante would be higher. At 5,340 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante (317 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 243 more horse power than 1996 Opel Astra. (74 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante should accelerate faster than 1996 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante weights approximately 554 kg more than 1996 Opel Astra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante 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 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante. 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, 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante (434 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 269 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Opel Astra. (165 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante | 1996 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Opel |
| Model | V8 Volante | Astra |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5340 cc | 1686 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 434 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 18.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1814 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 97 L | 52 L |
