2009 Ford Taurus vs. 2006 Opel Astra
To start off, 2009 Ford Taurus is newer by 3 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 3,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Taurus (263 HP @ 6251 RPM) has 174 more horse power than 2006 Opel Astra. (89 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 2006 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Opel Astra weights approximately 264 kg more than 2009 Ford Taurus.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear 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, 2009 Ford Taurus (338 Nm @ 4501 RPM) has 213 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Opel Astra. (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Opel Astra. 2009 Ford Taurus 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. 2009 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Taurus | 2006 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Taurus | Astra |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 1364 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 | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4501 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.7 L/100km | 6.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 52 L |
