2001 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2010 Opel Astra
To start off, 2010 Opel Astra is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 3,933 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Ford Thunderbird (249 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2010 Opel Astra. (239 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 2010 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 352 kg more than 2010 Opel Astra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 Ford Thunderbird 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 2001 Ford Thunderbird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 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, 2001 Ford Thunderbird (388 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Opel Astra. (320 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2001 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Opel Astra. 2001 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 2010 Opel Astra has manual transmission. 2010 Opel Astra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Ford Thunderbird | 2010 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Thunderbird | Astra |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3933 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 249 HP | 239 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 388 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.1 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.6:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 233 km/hour | 244 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 1393 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 52 L |
