2006 Ford Crown Victoria vs. 1996 Opel Astra
To start off, 2006 Ford Crown Victoria is newer by 10 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 4,604 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Ford Crown Victoria is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Ford Crown Victoria (239 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 150 more horse power than 1996 Opel Astra. (89 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford Crown Victoria should accelerate faster than 1996 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Crown Victoria weights approximately 1851 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 2006 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 2006 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, 2006 Ford Crown Victoria (374 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 263 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Opel Astra. (111 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2006 Ford Crown Victoria will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Opel Astra. 2006 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. 2006 Ford Crown Victoria will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Crown Victoria | 1996 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Crown Victoria | Astra |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4604 cc | 1389 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 239 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 374 Nm | 111 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2856 kg | 1005 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5390 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2920 mm | 2620 mm |
