1999 Ford Falcon vs. 2006 Opel Astra
To start off, 2006 Opel Astra is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Ford Falcon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Ford Falcon would be higher. At 3,984 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Ford Falcon (232 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 143 more horse power than 2006 Opel Astra. (89 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Ford Falcon should accelerate faster than 2006 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Ford Falcon weights approximately 300 kg more than 2006 Opel Astra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 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 1999 Ford Falcon. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 1999 Ford Falcon (374 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 249 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Opel Astra. (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1999 Ford Falcon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Opel Astra. 2006 Opel Astra has automatic transmission and 1999 Ford Falcon has manual transmission. 1999 Ford Falcon will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Opel Astra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Ford Falcon | 2006 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Falcon | Astra |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3984 cc | 1364 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 232 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 374 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92.3 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.3 mm | 80.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 52 L |
