1995 Opel Astra vs. 1980 Vauxhall Chevette
To start off, 1995 Opel Astra is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Vauxhall Chevette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Vauxhall Chevette would be higher. At 1,799 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Opel Astra (114 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1980 Vauxhall Chevette. (56 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1980 Vauxhall Chevette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Opel Astra weights approximately 350 kg more than 1980 Vauxhall Chevette. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Vauxhall Chevette 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 1980 Vauxhall Chevette. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1995 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, 1995 Opel Astra (169 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Vauxhall Chevette. (92 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1995 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Vauxhall Chevette.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Opel Astra | 1980 Vauxhall Chevette | |
| Make | Opel | Vauxhall |
| Model | Astra | Chevette |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1799 cc | 1256 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1205 kg | 855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2400 mm |
