1973 Ford Fairlane vs. 2001 Opel Astra
To start off, 2001 Opel Astra is newer by 28 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, 2001 Opel Astra (152 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1973 Ford Fairlane. (150 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1973 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 60 kg more than 2001 Opel Astra.
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, 2001 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 136 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Opel Astra. (203 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1973 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Ford Fairlane | 2001 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Fairlane | Astra |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4097 cc | 2171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 339 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.3 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2620 mm |
