1974 Mercury Comet vs. 2005 Opel Astra
To start off, 2005 Opel Astra is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercury Comet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercury Comet would be higher. At 2,782 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Opel Astra (102 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1974 Mercury Comet. (82 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Opel Astra weights approximately 160 kg more than 1974 Mercury Comet. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 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 1974 Mercury Comet. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 1974 Mercury Comet (178 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Opel Astra. (147 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1974 Mercury Comet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Mercury Comet | 2005 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Mercury | Opel |
| Model | Comet | Astra |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2005 |
| 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 | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3600 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 | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2640 mm |
