1968 Ford Escort vs. 2005 Opel Astra
To start off, 2005 Opel Astra is newer by 37 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 1,364 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Opel Astra (89 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1968 Ford Escort. (54 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Opel Astra weights approximately 395 kg more than 1968 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2005 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, 2005 Opel Astra (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford Escort. (81 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 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 | 2005 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Escort | Astra |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 1364 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 81 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 53.3 mm | 80.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 132 km/hour | 180 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 805 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 41 L | 52 L |
