2006 Opel Astra vs. 1976 Ford Falcon
To start off, 2006 Opel Astra is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Falcon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Falcon would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Ford Falcon (238 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 139 more horse power than 2006 Opel Astra. (99 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Ford Falcon should accelerate faster than 2006 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Falcon weights approximately 40 kg more than 2006 Opel Astra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 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 1976 Ford Falcon. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 1976 Ford Falcon (422 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Opel Astra. (260 Nm @ 1700 RPM). This means 1976 Ford Falcon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Opel Astra. 1976 Ford Falcon has automatic transmission and 2006 Opel Astra has manual transmission. 2006 Opel Astra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Ford Falcon will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Opel Astra | 1976 Ford Falcon | |
| Make | Opel | Ford |
| Model | Astra | Falcon |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1976 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1910 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 99 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 422 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1700 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1435 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2830 mm |
