1972 Ford Fairlane vs. 2008 Opel Astra
To start off, 2008 Opel Astra is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 4,097 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Opel Astra (168 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1972 Ford Fairlane. (153 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 65 kg more than 2008 Opel Astra.
Because 1972 Ford Fairlane 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 Fairlane. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 1972 Ford Fairlane (326 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Opel Astra. (250 Nm @ 1950 RPM). This means 1972 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Fairlane | 2008 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Fairlane | Astra |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4097 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 326 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 1950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.3 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2620 mm |
