1959 Ford Zephyr vs. 2003 Opel Astra
To start off, 2003 Opel Astra is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Ford Zephyr. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Ford Zephyr would be higher. At 2,552 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Ford Zephyr is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Opel Astra (148 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1959 Ford Zephyr. (76 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford Zephyr. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Opel Astra weights approximately 128 kg more than 1959 Ford Zephyr. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 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 1959 Ford Zephyr. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2003 Opel Astra (203 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford Zephyr. (187 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2003 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford Zephyr.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Ford Zephyr | 2003 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Zephyr | Astra |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2552 cc | 2198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1298 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2740 mm |
