1980 Ford Fairlane vs. 2004 Vauxhall Astra
To start off, 2004 Vauxhall Astra is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Vauxhall Astra (168 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1980 Ford Fairlane. (124 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Vauxhall Astra should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 19 kg more than 2004 Vauxhall Astra.
Because 1980 Ford Fairlane 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 Fairlane. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Vauxhall 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, 1980 Ford Fairlane (296 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Vauxhall Astra. (255 Nm @ 1950 RPM). This means 1980 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Vauxhall Astra. 1980 Ford Fairlane has automatic transmission and 2004 Vauxhall Astra has manual transmission. 2004 Vauxhall Astra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Ford Fairlane will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Fairlane | 2004 Vauxhall Astra | |
| Make | Ford | Vauxhall |
| Model | Fairlane | Astra |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 296 Nm | 255 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 1950 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1404 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2620 mm |
