1961 Ford Taunus vs. 2011 Opel Astra
To start off, 2011 Opel Astra is newer by 50 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Ford Taunus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Ford Taunus would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Opel Astra (139 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1961 Ford Taunus. (53 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1961 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Opel Astra weights approximately 665 kg more than 1961 Ford Taunus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 Ford Taunus 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 1961 Ford Taunus. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 2011 Opel Astra (175 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Ford Taunus. (111 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2011 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Ford Taunus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Ford Taunus | 2011 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Taunus | Astra |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1497 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.1:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 52 L |
