1950 Ford Zephyr vs. 2009 Opel Astra

To start off, 2009 Opel Astra is newer by 59 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1950 Ford Zephyr. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1950 Ford Zephyr would be higher. At 2,262 cc (6 cylinders), 1950 Ford Zephyr is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Opel Astra (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1950 Ford Zephyr. (57 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1950 Ford Zephyr. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Opel Astra weights approximately 253 kg more than 1950 Ford Zephyr. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 1950 Ford Zephyr 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 1950 Ford Zephyr. 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 (280 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 1950 Ford Zephyr. (151 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1950 Ford Zephyr. 2009 Opel Astra has automatic transmission and 1950 Ford Zephyr has manual transmission. 1950 Ford Zephyr will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Opel Astra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1950 Ford Zephyr 2009 Opel Astra
Make Ford Opel
Model Zephyr Astra
Year Released 1950 2009
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 2262 cc 1796 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Valves per Cylinder 2 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 57 HP 123 HP
Engine RPM 4000 RPM 4000 RPM
Torque 151 Nm 280 Nm
Torque RPM 2000 RPM 2000 RPM
Engine Bore Size 79.4 mm 82 mm
Engine Stroke Size 76.2 mm 90.4 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 6.8:1 17.5:1
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Top Speed 130 km/hour 191 km/hour
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 4 doors 4 doors
Vehicle Weight 1145 kg 1398 kg
Vehicle Length 4370 mm 4260 mm
Vehicle Width 1630 mm 1760 mm
Vehicle Height 1550 mm 1470 mm
Wheelbase Size 2650 mm 2620 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 40 L 52 L