1978 Mercury Cougar vs. 1995 Opel Astra
To start off, 1995 Opel Astra is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 4,941 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mercury Cougar (133 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1995 Opel Astra. (100 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1995 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 757 kg more than 1995 Opel Astra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1995 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, 1978 Mercury Cougar (336 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 187 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Opel Astra. (149 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Mercury Cougar | 1995 Opel Astra | |
Make | Mercury | Opel |
Model | Cougar | Astra |
Year Released | 1978 | 1995 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4941 cc | 1598 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 133 HP | 100 HP |
Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 6200 RPM |
Torque | 336 Nm | 149 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Vehicle Weight | 1855 kg | 1098 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4280 mm |
Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1480 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2620 mm |