1989 Ford Escort vs. 2003 Opel Astra
To start off, 2003 Opel Astra is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Opel Astra (174 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 1989 Ford Escort. (61 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Opel Astra weights approximately 525 kg more than 1989 Ford Escort. 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, 2003 Opel Astra (251 Nm @ 1950 RPM) has 151 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Ford Escort. (100 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford Escort | 2003 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Escort | Astra |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 61 HP | 174 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1950 RPM |
| Top Speed | 149 km/hour | 217 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 885 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 52 L |
