1984 Vauxhall Astra vs. 1981 Ford Laser
To start off, 1984 Vauxhall Astra is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Laser. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Laser would be higher. At 1,490 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Ford Laser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ford Laser (85 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1984 Vauxhall Astra. (59 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Laser should accelerate faster than 1984 Vauxhall Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Vauxhall Astra weights approximately 48 kg more than 1981 Ford Laser.
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, 1981 Ford Laser (120 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Vauxhall Astra. (89 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Laser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Vauxhall Astra. 1981 Ford Laser has automatic transmission and 1984 Vauxhall Astra has manual transmission. 1984 Vauxhall Astra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Ford Laser will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Vauxhall Astra | 1981 Ford Laser | |
| Make | Vauxhall | Ford |
| Model | Astra | Laser |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1196 cc | 1490 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 89 Nm | 120 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 840 kg | 792 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2370 mm |
