1963 Ford Zodiac 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 Zodiac. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Ford Zodiac would be higher. At 2,553 cc (6 cylinders), 1963 Ford Zodiac is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 Ford Zodiac (108 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 2004 Opel Astra. (85 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1963 Ford Zodiac should accelerate faster than 2004 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Opel Astra weights approximately 45 kg more than 1963 Ford Zodiac.
Because 1963 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 1963 Ford Zodiac. 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, 1963 Ford Zodiac (191 Nm @ 2900 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Opel Astra. (139 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1963 Ford Zodiac will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Opel Astra. 2004 Opel Astra has automatic transmission and 1963 Ford Zodiac has manual transmission. 1963 Ford Zodiac will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Opel Astra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Ford Zodiac | 2004 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Zodiac | Astra |
| Year Released | 1963 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2553 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 191 Nm | 139 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Top Speed | 161 km/hour | 157 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 52 L |
