1980 Mercury Cougar vs. 2007 Opel Astra
To start off, 2007 Opel Astra is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 4,184 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Opel Astra (197 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (116 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 25 kg more than 2007 Opel Astra.
Because 1980 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 1980 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, 1980 Mercury Cougar (264 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Opel Astra. (262 Nm @ 1950 RPM). This means 1980 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Mercury Cougar | 2007 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Mercury | Opel |
| Model | Cougar | Astra |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4184 cc | 1998 cc |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 264 Nm | 262 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 1950 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2620 mm |
