2006 Ford Mustang vs. 2003 Opel Astra
To start off, 2006 Ford Mustang is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Opel Astra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Opel Astra would be higher. At 4,600 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Opel Astra (174 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 2006 Ford Mustang. (130 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 2006 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Mustang weights approximately 120 kg more than 2003 Opel Astra.
Because 2006 Ford Mustang 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 Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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 Mustang (461 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Opel Astra. (251 Nm @ 1950 RPM). This means 2006 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Opel Astra. 2006 Ford Mustang has automatic transmission and 2003 Opel Astra has manual transmission. 2003 Opel Astra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Ford Mustang will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Mustang | 2003 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Mustang | Astra |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4600 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 174 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 461 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1950 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.4 L/100km | 6.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 12.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.7 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 52 L |
