1972 Mercury Montego vs. 2008 Opel Astra
To start off, 2008 Opel Astra is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Mercury Montego. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Mercury Montego would be higher. At 4,095 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Mercury Montego is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Opel Astra (123 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1972 Mercury Montego. (97 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1972 Mercury Montego. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Mercury Montego weights approximately 417 kg more than 2008 Opel Astra.
Because 1972 Mercury Montego 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 Montego. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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 Montego (248 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Opel Astra. (175 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1972 Mercury Montego will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Mercury Montego | 2008 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Mercury | Opel |
| Model | Montego | Astra |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4095 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 97 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 248 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 80.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.3 mm | 88.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1695 kg | 1278 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5300 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3010 mm | 2620 mm |
