1971 Opel Ascona vs. 2001 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2001 Mercury Cougar is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Opel Ascona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Opel Ascona would be higher. At 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mercury Cougar (123 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1971 Opel Ascona. (59 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1971 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 404 kg more than 1971 Opel Ascona. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Opel Ascona 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 Opel Ascona. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Mercury Cougar, 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, 2001 Mercury Cougar (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Opel Ascona. (90 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2001 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Opel Ascona. 2001 Mercury Cougar has automatic transmission and 1971 Opel Ascona has manual transmission. 1971 Opel Ascona will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Mercury Cougar will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Opel Ascona | 2001 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Opel | Mercury |
| Model | Ascona | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1196 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 90 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 1314 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4140 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2710 mm |
