1973 Mercury Cougar vs. 1991 Opel Astra
To start off, 1991 Opel Astra is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 7,542 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercury Cougar (213 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 1991 Opel Astra. (100 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1991 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 1010 kg more than 1991 Opel Astra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 Mercury Cougar 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 Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1991 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 Cougar (498 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 363 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Opel Astra. (135 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercury Cougar | 1991 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Mercury | Opel |
| Model | Cougar | Astra |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1991 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7542 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 213 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 498 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2105 kg | 1095 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2640 mm |
