2004 Ford Crown Victoria vs. 1996 Opel Astra
To start off, 2004 Ford Crown Victoria is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Opel Astra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Opel Astra would be higher. At 4,605 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Ford Crown Victoria is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Crown Victoria (176 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1996 Opel Astra. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Crown Victoria should accelerate faster than 1996 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Crown Victoria weights approximately 690 kg more than 1996 Opel Astra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Ford Crown Victoria 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 2004 Ford Crown Victoria. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 2004 Ford Crown Victoria (320 Nm) has 195 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Opel Astra. (125 Nm). This means 2004 Ford Crown Victoria will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Opel Astra. 2004 Ford Crown Victoria has automatic transmission and 1996 Opel Astra has manual transmission. 1996 Opel Astra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Ford Crown Victoria will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Crown Victoria | 1996 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Crown Victoria | Astra |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4605 cc | 1389 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 176 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 77.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1840 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5390 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2920 mm | 2620 mm |
