1978 Ford Capri vs. 1991 Opel Astra
To start off, 1991 Opel Astra is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Capri would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1991 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Opel Astra (115 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1978 Ford Capri. (97 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Opel Astra weights approximately 18 kg more than 1978 Ford Capri. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Ford Capri 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 1978 Ford Capri. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1991 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, 1991 Opel Astra (169 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Capri. (151 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1991 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Capri.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Capri | 1991 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Capri | Astra |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 97 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 151 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.1 mm | 86 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1032 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2650 mm |
