1972 Mercury Cougar vs. 2012 Opel Astra
To start off, 2012 Opel Astra is newer by 40 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, 2012 Opel Astra (197 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1972 Mercury Cougar. (167 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1972 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 31 kg more than 2012 Opel Astra.
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, 2012 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 101 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Opel Astra. (262 Nm @ 1950 RPM). This means 1972 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
1972 Mercury Cougar | 2012 Opel Astra | |
Make | Mercury | Opel |
Model | Cougar | Astra |
Year Released | 1972 | 2012 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5769 cc | 1998 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 167 HP | 197 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
Torque | 363 Nm | 262 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1950 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1656 kg | 1625 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5080 mm | 4300 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1760 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2620 mm |