1978 Honda Accord vs. 2012 Opel Astra
To start off, 2012 Opel Astra is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Honda Accord would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Opel Astra (239 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 149 more horse power than 1978 Honda Accord. (90 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1978 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Opel Astra weights approximately 463 kg more than 1978 Honda Accord. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2012 Opel Astra (320 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 187 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Honda Accord. (133 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Honda Accord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Honda Accord | 2012 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Honda | Opel |
| Model | Accord | Astra |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1748 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 239 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1393 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 41 L | 52 L |
