2009 Opel Astra vs. 2012 Ford Falcon
To start off, 2012 Ford Falcon is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Opel Astra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Opel Astra would be higher. At 3,983 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Falcon (265 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 2009 Opel Astra. (197 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Falcon should accelerate faster than 2009 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Falcon weights approximately 132 kg more than 2009 Opel Astra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 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 2012 Ford Falcon. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2012 Ford Falcon (409 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 147 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Opel Astra. (262 Nm @ 1950 RPM). This means 2012 Ford Falcon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Opel Astra. 2012 Ford Falcon has automatic transmission and 2009 Opel Astra has manual transmission. 2009 Opel Astra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Ford Falcon will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Opel Astra | 2012 Ford Falcon | |
| Make | Opel | Ford |
| Model | Astra | Falcon |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 3983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 262 Nm | 409 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1950 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | LPG |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1625 kg | 1757 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4967 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1868 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1433 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2838 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 68 L |
