1979 Buick Estate vs. 2009 Saturn Astra
To start off, 2009 Saturn Astra is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Buick Estate. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Buick Estate would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Buick Estate is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Saturn Astra (136 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1979 Buick Estate. (104 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Saturn Astra should accelerate faster than 1979 Buick Estate. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Buick Estate weights approximately 595 kg more than 2009 Saturn Astra.
Because 1979 Buick Estate 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 Estate. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Saturn 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, 1979 Buick Estate (275 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Saturn Astra. (125 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1979 Buick Estate will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Saturn Astra. 1979 Buick Estate has automatic transmission and 2009 Saturn Astra has manual transmission. 2009 Saturn Astra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Buick Estate will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Buick Estate | 2009 Saturn Astra | |
| Make | Buick | Saturn |
| Model | Estate | Astra |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1875 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5510 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2620 mm |
