1970 Ford Cortina vs. 1998 Opel Astra
To start off, 1998 Opel Astra is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 1970 Ford Cortina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Opel Astra (114 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1970 Ford Cortina. (97 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1970 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Opel Astra weights approximately 198 kg more than 1970 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 Ford Cortina 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 1970 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1998 Opel Astra (170 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Ford Cortina. (151 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Ford Cortina | 1998 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Cortina | Astra |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 97 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 151 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.8 mm | 80.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 88.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1002 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2620 mm |
