1974 Mercury Cougar vs. 2002 Vauxhall Astra
To start off, 2002 Vauxhall Astra is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,752 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Vauxhall Astra (187 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1974 Mercury Cougar. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Vauxhall Astra should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 160 kg more than 2002 Vauxhall Astra.
Because 1974 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 1974 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Vauxhall 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 Cougar (382 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Vauxhall Astra. (255 Nm @ 1950 RPM). This means 1974 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Vauxhall Astra.
Compare all specifications:
1974 Mercury Cougar | 2002 Vauxhall Astra | |
Make | Mercury | Vauxhall |
Model | Cougar | Astra |
Year Released | 1974 | 2002 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5752 cc | 1997 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 161 HP | 187 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
Torque | 382 Nm | 255 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1950 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1415 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5010 mm | 4280 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1400 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2620 mm |