1970 Mercury Cougar vs. 2007 Opel Astra
To start off, 2007 Opel Astra is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Mercury Cougar (167 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 2007 Opel Astra. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2007 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 252 kg more than 2007 Opel Astra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 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 1970 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 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 Cougar (363 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Opel Astra. (320 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1970 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Mercury Cougar | 2007 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Mercury | Opel |
| Model | Cougar | Astra |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5769 cc | 1910 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.7 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 90.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 17.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1398 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5840 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2620 mm |
