1981 Ford Fiesta vs. 1997 Opel Astra
To start off, 1997 Opel Astra is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 1,698 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ford Fiesta (83 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1997 Opel Astra. (73 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Fiesta should accelerate faster than 1997 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Opel Astra weights approximately 480 kg more than 1981 Ford Fiesta.
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, 1997 Opel Astra (165 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (129 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1997 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Fiesta | 1997 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Fiesta | Astra |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1608 cc | 1698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 73 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 18.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 166 km/hour | 170 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 52 L |
