1996 Ford Probe vs. 1998 Opel Astra
To start off, 1998 Opel Astra is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Probe. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Probe would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Probe (118 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1998 Opel Astra. (85 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Probe should accelerate faster than 1998 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Opel Astra weights approximately 50 kg more than 1996 Ford Probe.
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, 1998 Opel Astra (185 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Probe. (170 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1998 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Probe.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Probe | 1998 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Probe | Astra |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 6.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2620 mm |
