1978 Ford Cortina vs. 2007 Opel Astra
To start off, 2007 Opel Astra is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Ford Cortina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Opel Astra (122 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1978 Ford Cortina. (86 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Opel Astra weights approximately 156 kg more than 1978 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Ford Cortina 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 Cortina. 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 (170 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Cortina. (141 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2007 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Cortina | 2007 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Cortina | Astra |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 122 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 1266 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2620 mm |
