1968 Ford Escort vs. 2007 Opel Astra
To start off, 2007 Opel Astra is newer by 39 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Opel Astra (197 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1968 Ford Escort. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Opel Astra weights approximately 623 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, 2007 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, 2007 Opel Astra (262 Nm @ 1950 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford Escort. (144 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2007 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 | 2007 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Escort | Astra |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 262 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 762 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 52 L |
