1964 Ford Taunus vs. 2012 Opel Astra
To start off, 2012 Opel Astra is newer by 48 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Ford Taunus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Ford Taunus would be higher. Both 1964 Ford Taunus and 2012 Opel Astra are equipped with a 1,998 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Opel Astra (197 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1964 Ford Taunus. (85 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1964 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Opel Astra weights approximately 575 kg more than 1964 Ford Taunus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1964 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 1964 Ford Taunus. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Opel Astra (262 Nm @ 1950 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Ford Taunus. (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Ford Taunus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Ford Taunus | 2012 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Taunus | Astra |
| Year Released | 1964 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 262 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1950 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 52 L |
