1998 Opel Astra vs. 1996 Toyota Cresta
To start off, 1998 Opel Astra is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Toyota Cresta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Toyota Cresta would be higher. At 1,968 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Toyota Cresta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Toyota Cresta (158 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1998 Opel Astra. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Toyota Cresta should accelerate faster than 1998 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Toyota Cresta weights approximately 194 kg more than 1998 Opel Astra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Toyota Cresta 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 Toyota Cresta. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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 Toyota Cresta (200 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Opel Astra. (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Toyota Cresta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Opel Astra. 1996 Toyota Cresta has automatic transmission and 1998 Opel Astra has manual transmission. 1998 Opel Astra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Toyota Cresta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Opel Astra | 1996 Toyota Cresta | |
| Make | Opel | Toyota |
| Model | Astra | Cresta |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1389 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77.6 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73.4 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 1344 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2740 mm |
