1986 Holden Astra vs. 1987 Mazda 929
To start off, 1987 Mazda 929 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Holden Astra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Holden Astra would be higher. At 2,954 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Mazda 929 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Mazda 929 (163 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1986 Holden Astra. (70 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Mazda 929 should accelerate faster than 1986 Holden Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Mazda 929 weights approximately 585 kg more than 1986 Holden Astra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1987 Mazda 929 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 1987 Mazda 929. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Holden 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, 1987 Mazda 929 (247 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Holden Astra. (124 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1987 Mazda 929 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Holden Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Holden Astra | 1987 Mazda 929 | |
| Make | Holden | Mazda |
| Model | Astra | 929 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 2954 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 247 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 895 kg | 1480 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2720 mm |
