1972 Mercury Monterey vs. 2005 Opel Astra
To start off, 2005 Opel Astra is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Mercury Monterey. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Mercury Monterey would be higher. At 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Mercury Monterey is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Mercury Monterey (164 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 2005 Opel Astra. (123 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Mercury Monterey should accelerate faster than 2005 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Mercury Monterey weights approximately 655 kg more than 2005 Opel Astra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Mercury Monterey 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 Monterey. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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 Monterey (383 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 212 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Opel Astra. (171 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1972 Mercury Monterey will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Mercury Monterey | 2005 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Mercury | Opel |
| Model | Monterey | Astra |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5769 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 164 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 383 Nm | 171 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 80.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 88.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1930 kg | 1275 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5720 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3160 mm | 2710 mm |
