1980 Buick Electra vs. 1998 Opel Astra
To start off, 1998 Opel Astra is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Buick Electra would be higher. At 5,032 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Buick Electra (138 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1998 Opel Astra. (74 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 1998 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Buick Electra weights approximately 605 kg more than 1998 Opel Astra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Buick Electra 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 1980 Buick Electra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1980 Buick Electra (325 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 195 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Opel Astra. (130 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1980 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Opel Astra. 1980 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 1998 Opel Astra has manual transmission. 1998 Opel Astra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Buick Electra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Buick Electra | 1998 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Buick | Opel |
| Model | Electra | Astra |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5032 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1725 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2620 mm |
