1981 Ford Falcon vs. 2002 Opel Astra
To start off, 2002 Opel Astra is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Falcon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Falcon would be higher. At 3,273 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Opel Astra (197 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1981 Ford Falcon. (109 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Falcon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Falcon weights approximately 30 kg more than 2002 Opel Astra.
Because 1981 Ford Falcon 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 Falcon. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 2002 Opel Astra (250 Nm @ 1950 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Falcon. (228 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2002 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Falcon.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Falcon | 2002 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Falcon | Astra |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3273 cc | 1979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1950 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2710 mm |
