1978 Mercury Cougar vs. 2000 Opel Astra
To start off, 2000 Opel Astra is newer by 22 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, 2000 Opel Astra (190 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Cougar. (133 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 480 kg more than 2000 Opel Astra.
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, 2000 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 86 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Opel Astra. (250 Nm @ 1950 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercury Cougar | 2000 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Mercury | Opel |
| Model | Cougar | Astra |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4941 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 336 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 1950 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1855 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2620 mm |
