1968 Ford 17 vs. 1997 Opel Astra
To start off, 1997 Opel Astra is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Ford 17. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Ford 17 would be higher. At 2,550 cc (6 cylinders), 1968 Ford 17 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Ford 17 (123 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1997 Opel Astra. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Ford 17 should accelerate faster than 1997 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Opel Astra weights approximately 10 kg more than 1968 Ford 17.
Because 1968 Ford 17 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 1968 Ford 17. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1968 Ford 17 (201 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Opel Astra. (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1968 Ford 17 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford 17 | 1997 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | 17 | Astra |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2550 cc | 1389 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 201 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2620 mm |
