1998 Ford Falcon vs. 2004 Vauxhall Astra
To start off, 2004 Vauxhall Astra is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ford Falcon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ford Falcon would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Falcon (235 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 2004 Vauxhall Astra. (104 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Falcon should accelerate faster than 2004 Vauxhall Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Falcon weights approximately 315 kg more than 2004 Vauxhall Astra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 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 1998 Ford Falcon. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 1998 Ford Falcon (395 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 242 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Vauxhall Astra. (153 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Falcon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Vauxhall Astra. 1998 Ford Falcon has automatic transmission and 2004 Vauxhall Astra has manual transmission. 2004 Vauxhall Astra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Ford Falcon will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Falcon | 2004 Vauxhall Astra | |
| Make | Ford | Vauxhall |
| Model | Falcon | Astra |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 235 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 395 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2620 mm |
