1994 Volvo 960 vs. 2012 Opel Astra
To start off, 2012 Opel Astra is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 Volvo 960. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 Volvo 960 would be higher. At 2,473 cc (6 cylinders), 1994 Volvo 960 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Opel Astra (197 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1994 Volvo 960. (168 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1994 Volvo 960. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Volvo 960 weights approximately 115 kg more than 2012 Opel Astra.
Because 1994 Volvo 960 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 1994 Volvo 960. 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, 2012 Opel Astra (262 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Volvo 960. (233 Nm @ 4550 RPM). This means 2012 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Volvo 960.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Volvo 960 | 2012 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Volvo | Opel |
| Model | 960 | Astra |
| Year Released | 1994 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2473 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 233 Nm | 262 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4550 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2620 mm |
