1973 Ford Fairlane vs. 1996 Opel Astra
To start off, 1996 Opel Astra is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 4,097 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Ford Fairlane (150 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1996 Opel Astra. (114 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Ford Fairlane should accelerate faster than 1996 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 300 kg more than 1996 Opel Astra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 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 1973 Ford Fairlane. 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, 1973 Ford Fairlane (339 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 169 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Opel Astra. (170 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1973 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Ford Fairlane | 1996 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Fairlane | Astra |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4097 cc | 1799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 339 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2620 mm |
