2001 MCC Smart vs. 1998 Opel Astra
To start off, 2001 MCC Smart is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Opel Astra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Opel Astra would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Opel Astra (85 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 2001 MCC Smart. (59 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 2001 MCC Smart. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Opel Astra weights approximately 570 kg more than 2001 MCC Smart. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 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 2001 MCC Smart. 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, 1998 Opel Astra (188 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 MCC Smart. (89 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 1998 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 MCC Smart. 2001 MCC Smart 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. 2001 MCC Smart will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 MCC Smart | 1998 Opel Astra | |
| Make | MCC | Opel |
| Model | Smart | Astra |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 599 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 89 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2250 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 63.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 90 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 720 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2600 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1820 mm | 2620 mm |
