1987 Ford Sierra vs. 1981 Vauxhall Astra
To start off, 1987 Ford Sierra is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Vauxhall Astra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Vauxhall Astra would be higher. At 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Ford Sierra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Ford Sierra (224 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 165 more horse power than 1981 Vauxhall Astra. (59 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Ford Sierra should accelerate faster than 1981 Vauxhall Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Ford Sierra weights approximately 367 kg more than 1981 Vauxhall Astra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1987 Ford Sierra 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 1987 Ford Sierra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 1987 Ford Sierra (285 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 197 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Vauxhall Astra. (88 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1987 Ford Sierra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Vauxhall Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Ford Sierra | 1981 Vauxhall Astra | |
| Make | Ford | Vauxhall |
| Model | Sierra | Astra |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 1196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 224 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 88 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.8 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 61 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1207 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2520 mm |
