1973 Mercury Comet vs. 2006 Opel Astra
To start off, 2006 Opel Astra is newer by 33 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 2,782 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Opel Astra (104 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Comet. (82 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Opel Astra weights approximately 295 kg more than 1973 Mercury Comet. 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, 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, 1973 Mercury Comet (179 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Opel Astra. (151 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Comet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercury Comet | 2006 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Mercury | Opel |
| Model | Comet | Astra |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2782 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 82 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 179 Nm | 151 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1515 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1840 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2620 mm |
