1966 Mercury Comet vs. 1998 Opel Astra
To start off, 1998 Opel Astra is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Mercury Comet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Mercury Comet would be higher. At 3,279 cc (6 cylinders), 1966 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Mercury Comet (118 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1998 Opel Astra. (85 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1966 Mercury Comet should accelerate faster than 1998 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Mercury Comet weights approximately 382 kg more than 1998 Opel Astra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1966 Mercury Comet 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 1966 Mercury Comet. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1966 Mercury Comet (258 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Opel Astra. (185 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1966 Mercury Comet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Mercury Comet | 1998 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Mercury | Opel |
| Model | Comet | Astra |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3279 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 258 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 6.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1662 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5180 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2620 mm |
