1972 Mercury Comet vs. 2009 Opel Astra
To start off, 2009 Opel Astra is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Mercury Comet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Mercury Comet would be higher. At 2,782 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Opel Astra (197 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1972 Mercury Comet. (81 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1972 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Opel Astra weights approximately 162 kg more than 1972 Mercury Comet. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 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 1972 Mercury Comet. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Opel Astra (262 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Mercury Comet. (175 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2009 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Mercury Comet.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Mercury Comet | 2009 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Mercury | Opel |
| Model | Comet | Astra |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2782 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 262 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1224 kg | 1386 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2620 mm |
