1996 Renault Safrane vs. 1981 Vauxhall Astra
To start off, 1996 Renault Safrane is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Vauxhall Astra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Vauxhall Astra would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Renault Safrane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Renault Safrane (141 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1981 Vauxhall Astra. (59 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Renault Safrane should accelerate faster than 1981 Vauxhall Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Renault Safrane weights approximately 685 kg more than 1981 Vauxhall Astra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Renault Safrane (200 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Vauxhall Astra. (88 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Renault Safrane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Vauxhall Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Renault Safrane | 1981 Vauxhall Astra | |
| Make | Renault | Vauxhall |
| Model | Safrane | Astra |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 88 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.7 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 61 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2520 mm |
