1979 Mercedes-Benz 200 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 Mercedes-Benz 200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 200 would be higher. At 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 200 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Opel Astra (125 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 200. (59 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 200 weights approximately 65 kg more than 2004 Opel Astra.
Because 1979 Mercedes-Benz 200 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 Mercedes-Benz 200. 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, 2004 Opel Astra (167 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 200. (112 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2004 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 200. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 200 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 Mercedes-Benz 200 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mercedes-Benz 200 | 2004 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Opel |
| Model | 200 | Astra |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1986 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 112 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 80.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 88.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 130 km/hour | 198 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 29.4 seconds | 10.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1325 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.7 L/100km | 6.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.5 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.4 L/100km | 8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 52 L |
