1978 Ford Capri vs. 1999 Opel Astra
To start off, 1999 Opel Astra is newer by 21 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 1,593 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Ford Capri is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Opel Astra (88 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1978 Ford Capri. (87 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Opel Astra weights approximately 165 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, 1999 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, both vehicles can yield 125 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Capri | 1999 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Capri | Astra |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 1389 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 88 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 77.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2620 mm |
