1999 MCC Smart vs. 1979 Vauxhall Astra
To start off, 1999 MCC Smart is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Vauxhall Astra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Vauxhall Astra would be higher. At 1,296 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Vauxhall Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Vauxhall Astra (74 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1999 MCC Smart. (40 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Vauxhall Astra should accelerate faster than 1999 MCC Smart. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Vauxhall Astra weights approximately 135 kg more than 1999 MCC Smart. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 MCC Smart 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 1999 MCC Smart. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 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, 1979 Vauxhall Astra (101 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 MCC Smart. (100 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1979 Vauxhall Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 MCC Smart.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 MCC Smart | 1979 Vauxhall Astra | |
| Make | MCC | Vauxhall |
| Model | Smart | Astra |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 799 cc | 1296 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 40 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 101 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 720 kg | 855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2510 mm | 4010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1810 mm | 2520 mm |
