1972 Ford Cortina vs. 2011 Opel Astra
To start off, 2011 Opel Astra is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Opel Astra (197 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 1972 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Opel Astra weights approximately 341 kg more than 1972 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 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 1972 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 2011 Opel Astra (262 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 171 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Cortina | 2011 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Cortina | Astra |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 262 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1044 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 52 L |
