1975 Ford Escort vs. 2008 Opel Astra
To start off, 2008 Opel Astra is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Opel Astra weights approximately 355 kg more than 1975 Ford Escort.
Because 1975 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 1975 Ford Escort. 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, 2008 Opel Astra (170 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Ford Escort. (125 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Ford Escort. 2008 Opel Astra has automatic transmission and 1975 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1975 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Opel Astra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Ford Escort | 2008 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Escort | Astra |
| Year Released | 1975 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 84 HP | 0 HP |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 80.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 88.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 955 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 3510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1700 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 52 L |
