1984 Rover 3500 vs. 2012 Opel Astra
To start off, 2012 Opel Astra is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Rover 3500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Rover 3500 would be higher. At 3,532 cc (8 cylinders), 1984 Rover 3500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Opel Astra (197 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1984 Rover 3500. (187 HP @ 5280 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1984 Rover 3500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Opel Astra weights approximately 194 kg more than 1984 Rover 3500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1984 Rover 3500 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 1984 Rover 3500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 1984 Rover 3500 (298 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Opel Astra. (262 Nm @ 1950 RPM). This means 1984 Rover 3500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Opel Astra. 1984 Rover 3500 has automatic transmission and 2012 Opel Astra has manual transmission. 2012 Opel Astra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1984 Rover 3500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Rover 3500 | 2012 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Rover | Opel |
| Model | 3500 | Astra |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3532 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5280 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 262 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1950 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 210 km/hour | 234 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1431 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 52 L |
