1974 Mercury Montego vs. 2008 Opel Astra
To start off, 2008 Opel Astra is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercury Montego. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercury Montego would be higher. At 6,555 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Mercury Montego is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Opel Astra (197 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1974 Mercury Montego. (168 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercury Montego. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercury Montego weights approximately 474 kg more than 2008 Opel Astra.
Because 1974 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 1974 Mercury Montego. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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 Montego (403 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Opel Astra. (262 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1974 Mercury Montego will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Opel Astra. 1974 Mercury Montego has automatic transmission and 2008 Opel Astra has manual transmission. 2008 Opel Astra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Mercury Montego will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Mercury Montego | 2008 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Mercury | Opel |
| Model | Montego | Astra |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6555 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 403 Nm | 262 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.7 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 101.6 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1859 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5840 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 52 L |
