2008 Ford Taurus vs. 2008 Opel Astra
To start off, both 2008 Ford Taurus and 2008 Opel Astra were released in the same year (2008). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 3,494 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Taurus (263 HP @ 6251 RPM) has 174 more horse power than 2008 Opel Astra. (89 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 2008 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Opel Astra weights approximately 273 kg more than 2008 Ford Taurus.
Because 2008 Ford Taurus is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Opel Astra. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Ford Taurus will offer significantly more control. 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, 2008 Ford Taurus (338 Nm @ 4501 RPM) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Opel Astra. (200 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Opel Astra. 2008 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 2008 Opel Astra has manual transmission. 2008 Opel Astra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Taurus | 2008 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Taurus | Astra |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3494 cc | 1248 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 263 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6251 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4501 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1107 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.4 L/100km | 4.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 78 L | 52 L |
