1976 Mercury Cougar vs. 2010 Opel Astra
To start off, 2010 Opel Astra is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Opel Astra (197 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1976 Mercury Cougar. (152 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1976 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 405 kg more than 2010 Opel Astra.
Because 1976 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 1976 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 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, 1976 Mercury Cougar (377 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Opel Astra. (262 Nm @ 1950 RPM). This means 1976 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Mercury Cougar | 2010 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Mercury | Opel |
| Model | Cougar | Astra |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5766 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 152 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 377 Nm | 262 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 1950 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2030 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2620 mm |
