1981 Buick Electra vs. 2006 Opel Astra
To start off, 2006 Opel Astra is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Buick Electra would be higher. At 4,129 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Opel Astra (238 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1981 Buick Electra. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1981 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Buick Electra weights approximately 299 kg more than 2006 Opel Astra.
Because 1981 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 1981 Buick Electra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Opel Astra (320 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Buick Electra. (278 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2006 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Buick Electra. 1981 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 2006 Opel Astra has manual transmission. 2006 Opel Astra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Buick Electra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Buick Electra | 2006 Opel Astra | |
Make | Buick | Opel |
Model | Electra | Astra |
Year Released | 1981 | 2006 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4129 cc | 1998 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 123 HP | 238 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 278 Nm | 320 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 100.7 mm | 86 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 86 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1692 kg | 1393 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4300 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1760 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1410 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2620 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 52 L |