1979 Buick Century vs. 2006 Opel Astra
To start off, 2006 Opel Astra is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Buick Century. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Buick Century would be higher. At 3,214 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Buick Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Opel Astra (168 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1979 Buick Century. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1979 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Buick Century weights approximately 45 kg more than 2006 Opel Astra.
Because 1979 Buick Century 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 1979 Buick Century. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Opel Astra (250 Nm @ 1950 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Buick Century. (218 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2006 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Buick Century.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Buick Century | 2006 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Buick | Opel |
| Model | Century | Astra |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3214 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1950 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2620 mm |
