2004 Opel Astra vs. 1978 Toyota Corona
To start off, 2004 Opel Astra is newer by 26 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Opel Astra (125 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Corona. (82 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Corona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Opel Astra weights approximately 325 kg more than 1978 Toyota Corona. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2004 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, 2004 Opel Astra (167 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Corona. (133 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2004 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Corona. 1978 Toyota Corona has automatic transmission and 2004 Opel Astra has manual transmission. 2004 Opel Astra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Toyota Corona will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Opel Astra | 1978 Toyota Corona | |
| Make | Opel | Toyota |
| Model | Astra | Corona |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.5 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.2 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1325 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2510 mm |
