1959 Ford Consul vs. 2006 Opel Astra
To start off, 2006 Opel Astra is newer by 47 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Ford Consul. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Ford Consul would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Opel Astra (123 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1959 Ford Consul. (51 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford Consul. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Opel Astra weights approximately 204 kg more than 1959 Ford Consul. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 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 1959 Ford Consul. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Opel Astra (170 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford Consul. (127 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2006 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford Consul.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Ford Consul | 2006 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Consul | Astra |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1703 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 80.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 88.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1284 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 47 L | 52 L |
