1968 Ford Escort 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 Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,388 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Ford Escort (75 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1997 Opel Astra. (59 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1997 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Opel Astra weights approximately 175 kg more than 1968 Ford Escort.
Because 1968 Ford Escort 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 Escort. 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, 1997 Opel Astra (103 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford Escort. (101 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1997 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford Escort | 1997 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Escort | Astra |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1296 cc | 1388 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 101 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 77.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 830 kg | 1005 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 70 L |
