1965 Ford Zodiac vs. 2009 Opel Astra
To start off, 2009 Opel Astra is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Ford Zodiac. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Ford Zodiac would be higher. At 2,553 cc (6 cylinders), 1965 Ford Zodiac is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Opel Astra (239 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 1965 Ford Zodiac. (108 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1965 Ford Zodiac. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Opel Astra weights approximately 123 kg more than 1965 Ford Zodiac. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1965 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 1965 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 (320 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Ford Zodiac. (190 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 2009 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Ford Zodiac.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Ford Zodiac | 2009 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Zodiac | Astra |
| Year Released | 1965 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2553 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 239 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1393 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 52 L |
