1980 Vauxhall Chevette vs. 2007 Opel Astra
To start off, 2007 Opel Astra is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Vauxhall Chevette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Vauxhall Chevette would be higher. At 1,909 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Opel Astra (118 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1980 Vauxhall Chevette. (56 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1980 Vauxhall Chevette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Opel Astra weights approximately 540 kg more than 1980 Vauxhall Chevette. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Vauxhall Chevette 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 Vauxhall Chevette. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 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, 2007 Opel Astra (280 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 188 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Vauxhall Chevette. (92 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2007 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Vauxhall Chevette. 2007 Opel Astra has automatic transmission and 1980 Vauxhall Chevette has manual transmission. 1980 Vauxhall Chevette will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Opel Astra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Vauxhall Chevette | 2007 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Vauxhall | Opel |
| Model | Chevette | Astra |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1256 cc | 1909 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 61 mm | 90.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 855 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 52 L |
