1978 Ford Fiesta vs. 2011 Opel Astra
To start off, 2011 Opel Astra is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 1,795 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Opel Astra (138 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1978 Ford Fiesta. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Opel Astra weights approximately 563 kg more than 1978 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear 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, 2011 Opel Astra (175 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Fiesta. (64 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2011 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Fiesta | 2011 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Fiesta | Astra |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 956 cc | 1795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 64 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 80.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 55.7 mm | 88.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 715 kg | 1278 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 52 L |
