1981 Ford Capri vs. 2003 Opel Astra

To start off, 2003 Opel Astra is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Capri would be higher. At 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Ford Capri is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ford Capri (158 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2003 Opel Astra. (148 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Capri should accelerate faster than 2003 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Opel Astra weights approximately 68 kg more than 1981 Ford Capri.

Because 1981 Ford Capri 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 1981 Ford Capri. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 1981 Ford Capri (221 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Opel Astra. (203 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Capri will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Opel Astra. 2003 Opel Astra has automatic transmission and 1981 Ford Capri has manual transmission. 1981 Ford Capri will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Opel Astra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1981 Ford Capri 2003 Opel Astra
Make Ford Opel
Model Capri Astra
Year Released 1981 2003
Body Type Coupe Sedan
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 2792 cc 2198 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 158 HP 148 HP
Engine RPM 5700 RPM 5800 RPM
Torque 221 Nm 203 Nm
Torque RPM 4300 RPM 4000 RPM
Engine Bore Size 93.1 mm 86 mm
Engine Stroke Size 68.5 mm 94.6 mm
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 4 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 4 doors
Vehicle Weight 1230 kg 1298 kg
Vehicle Length 4380 mm 4260 mm
Vehicle Width 1710 mm 1720 mm
Vehicle Height 1370 mm 1430 mm
Wheelbase Size 2570 mm 2740 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 59 L 52 L