1970 Ford Escort vs. 2012 Opel Astra
To start off, 2012 Opel Astra is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Opel Astra (197 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 159 more horse power than 1970 Ford Escort. (38 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1970 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Opel Astra weights approximately 820 kg more than 1970 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 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 1970 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Opel Astra (262 Nm @ 1950 RPM) has 194 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Ford Escort. (68 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Ford Escort | 2012 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Escort | Astra |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 262 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1950 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 805 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2620 mm |
