1960 Ford Zodiac vs. 2009 Opel Astra
To start off, 2009 Opel Astra is newer by 49 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Ford Zodiac. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Ford Zodiac would be higher. At 2,552 cc (6 cylinders), 1960 Ford Zodiac is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Opel Astra (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1960 Ford Zodiac. (76 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1960 Ford Zodiac. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Opel Astra weights approximately 207 kg more than 1960 Ford Zodiac. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1960 Ford Zodiac 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 1960 Ford Zodiac. 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 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Ford Zodiac. (187 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Ford Zodiac.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Ford Zodiac | 2009 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Zodiac | Astra |
| Year Released | 1960 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2552 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 90.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 17.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1191 kg | 1398 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 52 L |
