1973 Ford Cortina vs. 1995 Opel Astra
To start off, 1995 Opel Astra is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,388 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Opel Astra (59 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1973 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1973 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Ford Cortina weights approximately 32 kg more than 1995 Opel Astra.
Because 1973 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 1973 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1995 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, 1995 Opel Astra (103 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1995 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Ford Cortina | 1995 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Cortina | Astra |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1995 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1296 cc | 1388 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 77.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| 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 | 1040 kg | 1008 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 70 L |
