2005 Smart ForTwo vs. 1989 Vauxhall Astra
To start off, 2005 Smart ForTwo is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Vauxhall Astra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Vauxhall Astra would be higher. At 1,389 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Vauxhall Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Smart ForTwo (60 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1989 Vauxhall Astra. (59 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Smart ForTwo should accelerate faster than 1989 Vauxhall Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Vauxhall Astra weights approximately 135 kg more than 2005 Smart ForTwo.
Because 2005 Smart ForTwo 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 2005 Smart ForTwo. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Vauxhall 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, 1989 Vauxhall Astra (103 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Smart ForTwo. (95 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1989 Vauxhall Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Smart ForTwo | 1989 Vauxhall Astra | |
| Make | Smart | Vauxhall |
| Model | ForTwo | Astra |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 696 cc | 1389 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 60 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 95 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 815 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2510 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1820 mm | 2530 mm |
