1968 Mercury Cougar vs. 2003 Opel Astra
To start off, 2003 Opel Astra is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Mercury Cougar (194 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 2003 Opel Astra. (123 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2003 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 485 kg more than 2003 Opel Astra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Mercury Cougar 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 1968 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 1968 Mercury Cougar (297 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Opel Astra. (173 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1968 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
1968 Mercury Cougar | 2003 Opel Astra | |
Make | Mercury | Opel |
Model | Cougar | Astra |
Year Released | 1968 | 2003 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5769 cc | 1796 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 194 HP | 123 HP |
Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 297 Nm | 173 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 1115 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4260 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1760 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1470 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2640 mm |