1978 Ford Escort vs. 2001 Opel Astra
To start off, 2001 Opel Astra is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Escort would be higher. At 3,998 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Opel Astra (437 HP @ 7350 RPM) has 392 more horse power than 1978 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Opel Astra weights approximately 275 kg more than 1978 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2001 Opel Astra (531 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 471 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2001 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Escort | 2001 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Escort | Astra |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 3998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 437 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7350 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 531 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2620 mm |
