1973 Mercury Montego vs. 1998 Opel Astra
To start off, 1998 Opel Astra is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercury Montego. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercury Montego would be higher. At 4,095 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Montego is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Opel Astra (114 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Montego. (96 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Montego. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Montego weights approximately 495 kg more than 1998 Opel Astra.
Because 1973 Mercury Montego 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 Montego. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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 Montego (248 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Opel Astra. (170 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Montego will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercury Montego | 1998 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Mercury | Opel |
| Model | Montego | Astra |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4095 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 248 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.6 mm | 80.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.3 mm | 88.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1695 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5300 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3010 mm | 2620 mm |
