1971 Mercury Comet vs. 1995 Opel Astra
To start off, 1995 Opel Astra is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercury Comet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercury Comet would be higher. At 2,782 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Mercury Comet (82 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1995 Opel Astra. (59 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Mercury Comet should accelerate faster than 1995 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Mercury Comet weights approximately 216 kg more than 1995 Opel Astra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 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 1971 Mercury Comet. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1995 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, 1971 Mercury Comet (178 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Opel Astra. (103 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1971 Mercury Comet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Mercury Comet | 1995 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Mercury | Opel |
| Model | Comet | Astra |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1995 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2782 cc | 1388 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 82 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1224 kg | 1008 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2620 mm |
