1978 Ford Capri vs. 2006 Opel Astra
To start off, 2006 Opel Astra is newer by 28 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Opel Astra (104 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1978 Ford Capri. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Opel Astra weights approximately 325 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, 2006 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, 2006 Opel Astra (150 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Capri. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 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 | 2006 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Capri | Astra |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2710 mm |
