1978 Mercury Grand Marquis vs. 2006 Opel Astra
To start off, 2006 Opel Astra is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis (129 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 2006 Opel Astra. (89 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 2006 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 410 kg more than 2006 Opel Astra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis 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 Grand Marquis. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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 Grand Marquis (303 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 178 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Opel Astra. (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis | 2006 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Mercury | Opel |
| Model | Grand Marquis | Astra |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1364 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 303 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 80.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5400 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2710 mm |
