1998 Ford Focus vs. 1981 Vauxhall Astra
To start off, 1998 Ford Focus is newer by 17 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 1,797 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Focus (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1981 Vauxhall Astra. (59 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1981 Vauxhall Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Focus weights approximately 404 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.
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 Ford Focus (170 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Vauxhall Astra. (88 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Vauxhall Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Focus | 1981 Vauxhall Astra | |
| Make | Ford | Vauxhall |
| Model | Focus | Astra |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1797 cc | 1196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 88 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 61 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1244 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2520 mm |
