2009 Opel Astra vs. 1972 Plymouth Valiant
To start off, 2009 Opel Astra is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Plymouth Valiant. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Plymouth Valiant would be higher. At 3,678 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Plymouth Valiant is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Opel Astra (239 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1972 Plymouth Valiant. (109 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1972 Plymouth Valiant. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Opel Astra weights approximately 83 kg more than 1972 Plymouth Valiant. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Plymouth Valiant 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 1972 Plymouth Valiant. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Opel Astra (320 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Plymouth Valiant. (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Plymouth Valiant.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Opel Astra | 1972 Plymouth Valiant | |
| Make | Opel | Plymouth |
| Model | Astra | Valiant |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 3678 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 239 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 104.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1393 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 60 L |
