1998 Opel Astra vs. 2012 Ford Falcon
To start off, 2012 Ford Falcon is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Opel Astra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Opel Astra would be higher. At 3,983 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Falcon (362 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 288 more horse power than 1998 Opel Astra. (74 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Falcon should accelerate faster than 1998 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Falcon weights approximately 584 kg more than 1998 Opel Astra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 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 2012 Ford Falcon. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 2012 Ford Falcon (533 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 403 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Opel Astra. (130 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2012 Ford Falcon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Opel Astra. 2012 Ford Falcon has automatic transmission and 1998 Opel Astra has manual transmission. 1998 Opel Astra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Ford Falcon will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1998 Opel Astra | 2012 Ford Falcon | |
Make | Opel | Ford |
Model | Astra | Falcon |
Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1596 cc | 3983 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 74 HP | 362 HP |
Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5250 RPM |
Torque | 130 Nm | 533 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 92.3 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 69.8 mm | 99.3 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1704 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4967 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1868 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1433 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2838 mm |