2008 Saturn Astra vs. 1996 Venturi 400
To start off, 2008 Saturn Astra is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Venturi 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Venturi 400 would be higher. At 2,975 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Venturi 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Venturi 400 (395 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 256 more horse power than 2008 Saturn Astra. (139 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Venturi 400 should accelerate faster than 2008 Saturn Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Saturn Astra weights approximately 135 kg more than 1996 Venturi 400.
Because 1996 Venturi 400 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 1996 Venturi 400. 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, 1996 Venturi 400 (520 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 350 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Saturn Astra. (170 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1996 Venturi 400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Saturn Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Saturn Astra | 1996 Venturi 400 | |
| Make | Saturn | Venturi |
| Model | Astra | 400 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1799 cc | 2975 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 395 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 520 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1285 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2500 mm |
