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 1,388 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Opel Astra (59 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1970 Ford Taunus. (57 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1970 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Opel Astra weights approximately 55 kg more than 1970 Ford Taunus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 (103 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Ford Taunus. (100 Nm @ 3000 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 | 1294 cc | 1388 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 57 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81.1 mm | 77.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1005 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 70 L |
