1981 Buick Estate vs. 2004 Opel Astra
To start off, 2004 Opel Astra is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Buick Estate. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Buick Estate would be higher. At 5,735 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Buick Estate is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Buick Estate (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 2004 Opel Astra. (103 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Buick Estate should accelerate faster than 2004 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Buick Estate weights approximately 465 kg more than 2004 Opel Astra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Buick Estate 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 Estate. 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, 1981 Buick Estate (380 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 149 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Opel Astra. (231 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1981 Buick Estate will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Opel Astra. 1981 Buick Estate 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. 1981 Buick Estate will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Buick Estate | 2004 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Buick | Opel |
| Model | Estate | Astra |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5735 cc | 1686 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 103 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 97.8 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1880 kg | 1415 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5510 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2840 mm |
