1978 Ford Taunus vs. 1996 Opel Astra
To start off, 1996 Opel Astra is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Taunus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Taunus would be higher. At 1,686 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Opel Astra (74 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1978 Ford Taunus. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Opel Astra weights approximately 205 kg more than 1978 Ford Taunus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Ford Taunus 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 Taunus. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1996 Opel Astra (165 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Taunus. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Taunus.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Ford Taunus | 1996 Opel Astra | |
Make | Ford | Opel |
Model | Taunus | Astra |
Year Released | 1978 | 1996 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1294 cc | 1686 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 53 HP | 74 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Torque | 91 Nm | 165 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 18.4:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1260 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4120 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1430 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2400 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 94 L | 52 L |