1955 Ford Consul vs. 2009 Opel Astra
To start off, 2009 Opel Astra is newer by 54 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Ford Consul. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Ford Consul would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Opel Astra (197 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 157 more horse power than 1955 Ford Consul. (40 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1955 Ford Consul. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Opel Astra weights approximately 580 kg more than 1955 Ford Consul. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1955 Ford Consul 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 1955 Ford Consul. 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 (262 Nm @ 1950 RPM) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Ford Consul. (100 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Ford Consul.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Ford Consul | 2009 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Consul | Astra |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1508 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 40 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 262 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1950 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1045 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2620 mm |
