2006 Opel Astra vs. 2011 Ford Falcon
To start off, 2011 Ford Falcon is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Opel Astra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Opel Astra would be higher. At 3,983 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Ford Falcon (362 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 273 more horse power than 2006 Opel Astra. (89 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ford Falcon should accelerate faster than 2006 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Ford Falcon weights approximately 474 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 2011 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 2011 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, 2011 Ford Falcon (533 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 408 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Opel Astra. (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Ford Falcon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Opel Astra. 2011 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. 2011 Ford Falcon will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Opel Astra | 2011 Ford Falcon | |
| Make | Opel | Ford |
| Model | Astra | Falcon |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1364 cc | 3983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 362 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 533 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1230 kg | 1704 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4967 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1868 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1433 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2838 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 68 L |
