1979 Ford Cortina vs. 2006 Opel Astra
To start off, 2006 Opel Astra is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,294 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Ford Cortina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Opel Astra (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1979 Ford Cortina. (59 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Opel Astra weights approximately 330 kg more than 1979 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 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 1979 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Opel Astra (200 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Cortina. (92 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
1979 Ford Cortina | 2006 Opel Astra | |
Make | Ford | Opel |
Model | Cortina | Astra |
Year Released | 1979 | 2006 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1294 cc | 1246 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 59 HP | 89 HP |
Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 92 Nm | 200 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 18.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1330 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4260 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1760 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1470 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2620 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 52 L |