1981 Ford Fiesta vs. 2007 Opel Astra
To start off, 2007 Opel Astra is newer by 26 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. Both 1981 Ford Fiesta and 2007 Opel Astra are equipped with a 1,598 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Opel Astra (105 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (83 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Opel Astra weights approximately 465 kg more than 1981 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2007 Opel Astra (150 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (126 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2007 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fiesta. 2007 Opel Astra has automatic transmission and 1981 Ford Fiesta has manual transmission. 1981 Ford Fiesta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Opel Astra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Fiesta | 2007 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Fiesta | Astra |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 105 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 171 km/hour | 187 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 52 L |
