1972 Mercury Monterey vs. 2006 Opel Astra
To start off, 2006 Opel Astra is newer by 34 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 75 more horse power than 2006 Opel Astra. (89 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Mercury Monterey should accelerate faster than 2006 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Mercury Monterey weights approximately 700 kg more than 2006 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, 2006 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 258 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Opel Astra. (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1972 Mercury Monterey will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Opel Astra. 1972 Mercury Monterey has automatic transmission and 2006 Opel Astra has manual transmission. 2006 Opel Astra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Mercury Monterey will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Mercury Monterey | 2006 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Mercury | Opel |
| Model | Monterey | Astra |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5769 cc | 1364 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 164 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 383 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1930 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5720 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3160 mm | 2620 mm |
