1973 Mercury Montego vs. 2004 Opel Astra
To start off, 2004 Opel Astra is newer by 31 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, 2004 Opel Astra (197 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Montego. (96 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 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 309 kg more than 2004 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, 2004 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, 2004 Opel Astra (262 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercury Montego. (248 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2004 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercury Montego.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercury Montego | 2004 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Mercury | Opel |
| Model | Montego | Astra |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4095 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 248 Nm | 262 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.6 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.3 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1695 kg | 1386 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5300 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3010 mm | 2740 mm |
