2008 Opel Astra vs. 1978 Vauxhall Chevette
To start off, 2008 Opel Astra is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Vauxhall Chevette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Vauxhall Chevette would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Opel Astra (168 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1978 Vauxhall Chevette. (56 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1978 Vauxhall Chevette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Opel Astra weights approximately 530 kg more than 1978 Vauxhall Chevette. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Vauxhall Chevette 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 Vauxhall Chevette. 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 (250 Nm @ 1950 RPM) has 161 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Vauxhall Chevette. (89 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2008 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Vauxhall Chevette.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Opel Astra | 1978 Vauxhall Chevette | |
| Make | Opel | Vauxhall |
| Model | Astra | Chevette |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1255 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1950 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 61 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 45 L |
