1976 Ford Taunus vs. 2007 Opel Astra
To start off, 2007 Opel Astra is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Taunus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Taunus would be higher. At 2,294 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Ford Taunus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Opel Astra (197 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1976 Ford Taunus. (106 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Opel Astra weights approximately 270 kg more than 1976 Ford Taunus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 Ford Taunus 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 1976 Ford Taunus. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 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, 2007 Opel Astra (262 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Taunus. (177 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2007 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Taunus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Taunus | 2007 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Taunus | Astra |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 262 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2620 mm |
