1972 Mercury Cougar vs. 2004 Opel Astra
To start off, 2004 Opel Astra is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Mercury Cougar (167 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 2004 Opel Astra. (125 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2004 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 331 kg more than 2004 Opel Astra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Mercury Cougar 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 Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 1972 Mercury Cougar (363 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 196 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Opel Astra. (167 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1972 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Mercury Cougar | 2004 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Mercury | Opel |
| Model | Cougar | Astra |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5769 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 80.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 88.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1656 kg | 1325 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5080 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2700 mm |
