1970 Mercury Marauder vs. 2002 Opel Astra
To start off, 2002 Opel Astra is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Mercury Marauder. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Mercury Marauder would be higher. At 6,392 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Mercury Marauder is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Opel Astra (197 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1970 Mercury Marauder. (171 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1970 Mercury Marauder. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Mercury Marauder weights approximately 745 kg more than 2002 Opel Astra.
Because 1970 Mercury Marauder 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 Marauder. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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 Marauder (383 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Opel Astra. (250 Nm @ 1950 RPM). This means 1970 Mercury Marauder will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Mercury Marauder | 2002 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Mercury | Opel |
| Model | Marauder | Astra |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6392 cc | 1978 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 383 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 1950 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1995 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5640 mm | 4120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3160 mm | 2640 mm |
