1970 Ford Taunus vs. 1996 Opel Astra
To start off, 1996 Opel Astra is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Ford Taunus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Ford Taunus would be higher. At 1,599 cc (4 cylinders), 1970 Ford Taunus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Ford Taunus (81 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1996 Opel Astra. (74 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 Ford Taunus should accelerate faster than 1996 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Opel Astra weights approximately 110 kg more than 1970 Ford Taunus.
Because 1970 Ford Taunus 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 Taunus. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1996 Opel Astra (128 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Ford Taunus. (126 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1996 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Ford Taunus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Ford Taunus | 1996 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Taunus | Astra |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 128 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.6 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2620 mm |
