1973 Mercury Comet vs. 1997 Opel Astra
To start off, 1997 Opel Astra is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercury Comet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercury Comet would be higher. At 3,271 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercury Comet (83 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1997 Opel Astra. (59 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercury Comet should accelerate faster than 1997 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Comet weights approximately 215 kg more than 1997 Opel Astra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 Mercury Comet 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 1973 Mercury Comet. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1973 Mercury Comet (205 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Opel Astra. (103 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Comet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercury Comet | 1997 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Mercury | Opel |
| Model | Comet | Astra |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3271 cc | 1388 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 77.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1005 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2620 mm |
