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 1,686 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Toyota Corona (84 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2003 Opel Astra. (75 HP @ 4300 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 395 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 (171 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Corona. (135 Nm @ 3400 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 | 1686 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 84 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 70 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 985 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 75 L |
