1980 Ford Escort vs. 1998 Opel Astra
To start off, 1998 Opel Astra is newer by 18 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 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Ford Escort (79 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1998 Opel Astra. (74 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1998 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Opel Astra weights approximately 255 kg more than 1980 Ford Escort.
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, 1998 Opel Astra (130 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (126 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 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 | 1998 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Escort | Astra |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 865 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2620 mm |
