1968 Ford Escort vs. 2003 Opel Astra
To start off, 2003 Opel Astra is newer by 35 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 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Opel Astra (144 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1968 Ford Escort. (44 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Opel Astra should accelerate faster 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, 2003 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, 2003 Opel Astra (203 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford Escort. (67 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2003 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford Escort. 2003 Opel Astra has automatic transmission and 1968 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1968 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Opel Astra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford Escort | 2003 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Escort | Astra |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 144 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 67 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 125 km/hour | 202 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 41 L | 52 L |
