1966 Mercury Cyclone vs. 2012 Opel Astra
To start off, 2012 Opel Astra is newer by 46 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Mercury Cyclone. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Mercury Cyclone would be higher. At 6,393 cc (8 cylinders), 1966 Mercury Cyclone is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Mercury Cyclone (335 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 2012 Opel Astra. (197 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1966 Mercury Cyclone should accelerate faster than 2012 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Mercury Cyclone weights approximately 7 kg more than 2012 Opel Astra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1966 Mercury Cyclone 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 Cyclone. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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 Cyclone (579 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 317 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Opel Astra. (262 Nm @ 1950 RPM). This means 1966 Mercury Cyclone will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Opel Astra. 1966 Mercury Cyclone has automatic transmission and 2012 Opel Astra has manual transmission. 2012 Opel Astra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1966 Mercury Cyclone will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Mercury Cyclone | 2012 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Mercury | Opel |
| Model | Cyclone | Astra |
| Year Released | 1966 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6393 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 335 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 579 Nm | 262 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1950 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1632 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2620 mm |
