1981 Honda Accord vs. 2011 Opel Astra
To start off, 2011 Opel Astra is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Honda Accord would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Opel Astra (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1981 Honda Accord. (79 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1981 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Opel Astra weights approximately 340 kg more than 1981 Honda Accord. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2011 Opel Astra (176 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Honda Accord. (126 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Honda Accord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Honda Accord | 2011 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Honda | Opel |
| Model | Accord | Astra |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1602 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 80.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 88.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 52 L |
