1996 Ford Falcon vs. 2003 Opel Astra
To start off, 2003 Opel Astra is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Falcon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Falcon would be higher. At 3,707 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Falcon (228 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 2003 Opel Astra. (142 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Falcon should accelerate faster than 2003 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Falcon weights approximately 430 kg more than 2003 Opel Astra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 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 1996 Ford Falcon. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 1996 Ford Falcon (398 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 194 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Opel Astra. (204 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Falcon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Falcon | 2003 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Falcon | Astra |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3707 cc | 2198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 398 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 4120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2740 mm |
