1998 Ford Laser vs. 2006 Opel Astra
To start off, 2006 Opel Astra is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ford Laser. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ford Laser would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Ford Laser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Laser (105 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2006 Opel Astra. (89 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Laser should accelerate faster than 2006 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Opel Astra weights approximately 215 kg more than 1998 Ford Laser.
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, 2006 Opel Astra (201 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Laser. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Laser.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Laser | 2006 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Laser | Astra |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1248 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 201 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 69.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 82 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2620 mm |
