1990 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 1979 Vauxhall Astra
To start off, 1990 Chevrolet Caprice is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Vauxhall Astra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Vauxhall Astra would be higher. At 5,000 cc (8 cylinders), 1990 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Chevrolet Caprice (168 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1979 Vauxhall Astra. (74 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Chevrolet Caprice should accelerate faster than 1979 Vauxhall Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 1095 kg more than 1979 Vauxhall Astra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 Chevrolet Caprice 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 1990 Chevrolet Caprice. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Vauxhall 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, 1990 Chevrolet Caprice (346 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 245 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Vauxhall Astra. (101 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1990 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Vauxhall Astra. 1990 Chevrolet Caprice has automatic transmission and 1979 Vauxhall Astra has manual transmission. 1979 Vauxhall Astra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1990 Chevrolet Caprice will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Chevrolet Caprice | 1979 Vauxhall Astra | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Vauxhall |
| Model | Caprice | Astra |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5000 cc | 1296 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 346 Nm | 101 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1950 kg | 855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5440 mm | 4010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2520 mm |
