1973 Ford Escort vs. 2002 Vauxhall Astra
To start off, 2002 Vauxhall Astra is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Vauxhall Astra (124 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1973 Ford Escort. (96 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Vauxhall Astra should accelerate faster than 1973 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Vauxhall Astra weights approximately 291 kg more than 1973 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 Ford Escort 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 Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Vauxhall 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, 2002 Vauxhall Astra (170 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Ford Escort. (148 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2002 Vauxhall Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Ford Escort | 2002 Vauxhall Astra | |
| Make | Ford | Vauxhall |
| Model | Escort | Astra |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 1796 cc |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 914 kg | 1205 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2610 mm |
