1963 Ford Consul vs. 2004 Opel Astra
To start off, 2004 Opel Astra is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Ford Consul. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Ford Consul would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Opel Astra (197 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 144 more horse power than 1963 Ford Consul. (53 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1963 Ford Consul. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Opel Astra weights approximately 543 kg more than 1963 Ford Consul. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1963 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 1963 Ford Consul. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2004 Opel Astra (262 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Ford Consul. (100 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2004 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Ford Consul.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Ford Consul | 2004 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Consul | Astra |
| Year Released | 1963 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1340 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 262 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81.1 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 65.1 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 882 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 52 L |
