1996 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2003 Opel Astra
To start off, 2003 Opel Astra is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,737 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Chevrolet Corvette (330 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 231 more horse power than 2003 Opel Astra. (99 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 2003 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 170 kg more than 2003 Opel Astra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Chevrolet Corvette 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 1996 Chevrolet Corvette. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 1996 Chevrolet Corvette (461 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 312 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Opel Astra. (149 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1996 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Chevrolet Corvette | 2003 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Opel |
| Model | Corvette | Astra |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5737 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 330 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 461 Nm | 149 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 52 L |
