2003 Opel Astra vs. 1978 Toyota Corona
To start off, 2003 Opel Astra is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Toyota Corona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Toyota Corona would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Toyota Corona (90 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2003 Opel Astra. (82 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Toyota Corona should accelerate faster than 2003 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Opel Astra weights approximately 295 kg more than 1978 Toyota Corona.
Because 1978 Toyota Corona 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 1978 Toyota Corona. 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 (185 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Corona. (145 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2003 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Corona.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Opel Astra | 1978 Toyota Corona | |
| Make | Opel | Toyota |
| Model | Astra | Corona |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 82 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 185 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 60 L |
