1980 Ford Escort vs. 1996 Opel Astra
To start off, 1996 Opel Astra is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,388 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Opel Astra (59 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Opel Astra weights approximately 130 kg more than 1980 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 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 1980 Ford Escort. 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 (103 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
1980 Ford Escort | 1996 Opel Astra | |
Make | Ford | Opel |
Model | Escort | Astra |
Year Released | 1980 | 1996 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 939 cc | 1388 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 45 HP | 59 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
Torque | 60 Nm | 103 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1005 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4280 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1480 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2610 mm |