1957 Ford Consul vs. 1998 Opel Astra
To start off, 1998 Opel Astra is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Ford Consul. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Ford Consul would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Opel Astra (114 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1957 Ford Consul. (47 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1957 Ford Consul. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Opel Astra weights approximately 111 kg more than 1957 Ford Consul. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1957 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 1957 Ford Consul. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1998 Opel Astra (170 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Ford Consul. (124 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1998 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Ford Consul.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Ford Consul | 1998 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Consul | Astra |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1702 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 80.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 88.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1089 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2620 mm |
