2008 Ford Explorer vs. 2001 Opel Astra
To start off, 2008 Ford Explorer is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Opel Astra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Opel Astra would be higher. At 4,013 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Opel Astra (437 HP @ 7350 RPM) has 227 more horse power than 2008 Ford Explorer. (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Explorer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Explorer weights approximately 927 kg more than 2001 Opel Astra.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2001 Opel Astra (531 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 187 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Explorer. (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2001 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Explorer. 2008 Ford Explorer has automatic transmission and 2001 Opel Astra has manual transmission. 2001 Opel Astra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Ford Explorer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Explorer | 2001 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Explorer | Astra |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2001 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4013 cc | 3998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 437 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 7350 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 531 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2077 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5350 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3320 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 61 L |
