2003 Opel Astra vs. 1974 Toyota Carina
To start off, 2003 Opel Astra is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Toyota Carina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Toyota Carina would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Opel Astra (144 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1974 Toyota Carina. (99 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1974 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Opel Astra weights approximately 430 kg more than 1974 Toyota Carina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Toyota Carina 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 1974 Toyota Carina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2003 Opel Astra (203 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Toyota Carina. (135 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2003 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Toyota Carina.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Opel Astra | 1974 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Opel | Toyota |
| Model | Astra | Carina |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 1589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 144 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.6 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2430 mm |
