1970 Mercury Comet vs. 1997 Opel Astra
To start off, 1997 Opel Astra is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Mercury Comet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Mercury Comet would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Mercury Comet (137 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1997 Opel Astra. (73 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 Mercury Comet should accelerate faster than 1997 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Mercury Comet weights approximately 110 kg more than 1997 Opel Astra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 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 1970 Mercury Comet. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1970 Mercury Comet (319 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Opel Astra. (165 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1970 Mercury Comet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Mercury Comet | 1997 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Mercury | Opel |
| Model | Comet | Astra |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 137 HP | 73 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 86 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2610 mm |
