1968 Mercury Montclair vs. 2012 Opel Astra
To start off, 2012 Opel Astra is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mercury Montclair. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mercury Montclair would be higher. At 6,393 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Mercury Montclair is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Mercury Montclair (267 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 129 more horse power than 2012 Opel Astra. (138 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Mercury Montclair should accelerate faster than 2012 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Mercury Montclair weights approximately 768 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 1968 Mercury Montclair 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 Montclair. 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, 1968 Mercury Montclair (546 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 370 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Opel Astra. (176 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1968 Mercury Montclair will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Mercury Montclair | 2012 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Mercury | Opel |
| Model | Montclair | Astra |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6393 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 267 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 546 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103 mm | 80.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 88.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1998 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2620 mm |
