1997 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1981 Vauxhall Astra

To start off, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 16 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 5,666 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette (345 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 286 more horse power than 1981 Vauxhall Astra. (59 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1981 Vauxhall Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 555 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.

Because 1997 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 1997 Chevrolet Corvette. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette (475 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 387 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Vauxhall Astra. (88 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Vauxhall Astra.

Compare all specifications:

1997 Chevrolet Corvette 1981 Vauxhall Astra
Make Chevrolet Vauxhall
Model Corvette Astra
Year Released 1997 1981
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 5666 cc 1196 cc
Engine Cylinders 8 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type V in-line
Horse Power 345 HP 59 HP
Engine RPM 5600 RPM 5800 RPM
Torque 475 Nm 88 Nm
Torque RPM 4400 RPM 3000 RPM
Engine Bore Size 99 mm 81 mm
Engine Stroke Size 92 mm 61 mm
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Manual Manual
Number of Seats 2 seats 5 seats
Vehicle Weight 1395 kg 840 kg
Vehicle Length 4570 mm 4010 mm
Vehicle Width 1880 mm 1650 mm
Vehicle Height 1220 mm 1340 mm
Wheelbase Size 2660 mm 2520 mm