1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight 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 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Opel Astra (197 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. (168 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight weights approximately 405 kg more than 2012 Opel Astra.
Because 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight 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 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (373 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Opel Astra. (262 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Opel Astra. 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight has automatic transmission and 2012 Opel Astra has manual transmission. 2012 Opel Astra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight | 2012 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Opel |
| Model | Ninety-Eight | Astra |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 373 Nm | 262 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103.1 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.9 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1790 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5610 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2620 mm |
