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 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercury Cougar (152 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1991 Opel Astra. (56 HP @ 4600 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 1009 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 (377 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 272 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Opel Astra. (105 Nm @ 2400 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 | 5766 cc | 1700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 152 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 377 Nm | 105 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2034 kg | 1025 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 |
