2004 Opel Astra vs. 2012 Ford Falcon
To start off, 2012 Ford Falcon is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Opel Astra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 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 (265 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 2004 Opel Astra. (125 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Falcon should accelerate faster than 2004 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Falcon weights approximately 432 kg more than 2004 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, 2004 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 (409 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 242 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Opel Astra. (167 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2012 Ford Falcon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Opel Astra. 2012 Ford Falcon has automatic transmission and 2004 Opel Astra has manual transmission. 2004 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:
| 2004 Opel Astra | 2012 Ford Falcon | |
| Make | Opel | Ford |
| Model | Astra | Falcon |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 3983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 409 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.5 mm | 92.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.2 mm | 99.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1325 kg | 1757 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4967 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1868 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1433 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2838 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 68 L |
