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 1,364 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Opel Astra (89 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1978 Ford Capri. (49 HP @ 5000 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 245 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 (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Capri. (87 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 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1364 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 87 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 985 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2620 mm |
