2008 Opel Astra vs. 1978 Toyota Corona
To start off, 2008 Opel Astra is newer by 30 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 1,770 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Toyota Corona is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Opel Astra (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Corona. (85 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Corona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Opel Astra weights approximately 290 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, 2008 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, 2008 Opel Astra (200 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Corona. (145 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2008 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 2008 Opel Astra has manual transmission. 2008 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:
| 2008 Opel Astra | 1978 Toyota Corona | |
| Make | Opel | Toyota |
| Model | Astra | Corona |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1248 cc | 1770 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 60 L |
