1966 Mercury Comet vs. 2008 Saturn Astra
To start off, 2008 Saturn Astra is newer by 42 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 6,393 cc (8 cylinders), 1966 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Mercury Comet (268 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 2008 Saturn Astra. (138 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1966 Mercury Comet should accelerate faster than 2008 Saturn Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Mercury Comet weights approximately 35 kg more than 2008 Saturn 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, 2008 Saturn 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 (546 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 376 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Saturn Astra. (170 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1966 Mercury Comet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Saturn Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Mercury Comet | 2008 Saturn Astra | |
| Make | Mercury | Saturn |
| Model | Comet | Astra |
| Year Released | 1966 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6393 cc | 1799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 268 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 546 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1775 kg | 1740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5180 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2620 mm |
