1998 Opel Astra vs. 2012 Ford Fiesta
To start off, 2012 Ford Fiesta is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Opel Astra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Opel Astra would be higher. At 1,686 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Fiesta (120 HP @ 6350 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1998 Opel Astra. (74 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Fiesta should accelerate faster than 1998 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Opel Astra weights approximately 1 kg more than 2012 Ford Fiesta.
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, 1998 Opel Astra (167 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Ford Fiesta. (152 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1998 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Opel Astra | 2012 Ford Fiesta | |
| Make | Opel | Ford |
| Model | Astra | Fiesta |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1686 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6350 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1169 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4409 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1697 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2489 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 45 L |
