2008 Saturn Astra vs. 1970 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 2008 Saturn Astra is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Toyota Corolla would be higher. At 1,799 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Saturn Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Saturn Astra (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1970 Toyota Corolla. (77 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Saturn Astra should accelerate faster than 1970 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Saturn Astra weights approximately 966 kg more than 1970 Toyota Corolla. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 Toyota Corolla 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 1970 Toyota Corolla. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Saturn 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 Saturn Astra (170 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Toyota Corolla. (95 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2008 Saturn Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Saturn Astra | 1970 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Saturn | Toyota |
| Model | Astra | Corolla |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1799 cc | 1166 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 77 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1740 kg | 774 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2340 mm |
