1978 Mercury Cougar vs. 2007 Opel Astra
To start off, 2007 Opel Astra is newer by 29 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, 2007 Opel Astra (138 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Cougar. (133 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 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 577 kg more than 2007 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, 2007 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 161 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Opel Astra. (175 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Mercury Cougar | 2007 Opel Astra | |
Make | Mercury | Opel |
Model | Cougar | Astra |
Year Released | 1978 | 2007 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4941 cc | 1796 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 133 HP | 138 HP |
Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 336 Nm | 175 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1855 kg | 1278 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 |