1971 Mercury Comet vs. 2009 Saturn Astra
To start off, 2009 Saturn Astra is newer by 38 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, 2009 Saturn Astra (136 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1971 Mercury Comet. (82 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Saturn Astra should accelerate faster than 1971 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Saturn Astra weights approximately 56 kg more than 1971 Mercury Comet. 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, 2009 Saturn 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 53 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Saturn Astra. (125 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1971 Mercury Comet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Saturn Astra.
Compare all specifications:
1971 Mercury Comet | 2009 Saturn Astra | |
Make | Mercury | Saturn |
Model | Comet | Astra |
Year Released | 1971 | 2009 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2782 cc | 1796 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 82 HP | 136 HP |
Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6300 RPM |
Torque | 178 Nm | 125 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1224 kg | 1280 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 4340 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1760 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1460 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2620 mm |