1979 Buick Regal vs. 2004 Opel Astra
To start off, 2004 Opel Astra is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Buick Regal. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Buick Regal would be higher. At 4,348 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Buick Regal is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Opel Astra (197 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1979 Buick Regal. (119 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1979 Buick Regal. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Buick Regal weights approximately 130 kg more than 2004 Opel Astra.
Because 1979 Buick Regal 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 Regal. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 1979 Buick Regal (285 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Opel Astra. (220 Nm @ 1950 RPM). This means 1979 Buick Regal will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Opel Astra. 1979 Buick Regal has automatic transmission and 2004 Opel Astra has manual transmission. 2004 Opel Astra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Buick Regal will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Buick Regal | 2004 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Buick | Opel |
| Model | Regal | Astra |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4348 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 119 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 1950 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1495 kg | 1365 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2640 mm |
