1978 Ford Escort vs. 2010 Opel Astra
To start off, 2010 Opel Astra is newer by 32 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Opel Astra (197 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 152 more horse power than 1978 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Opel Astra weights approximately 510 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.
Because 1978 Ford Escort 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 Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 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, 2010 Opel Astra (262 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 202 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2010 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 | 2010 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Escort | Astra |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 262 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2620 mm |
