1981 Mercury Cougar vs. 1980 Vauxhall Astra
To start off, 1981 Mercury Cougar is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Vauxhall Astra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Vauxhall Astra would be higher. At 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Mercury Cougar (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1980 Vauxhall Astra. (74 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1980 Vauxhall Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 501 kg more than 1980 Vauxhall Astra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Vauxhall 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, 1981 Mercury Cougar (237 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Vauxhall Astra. (102 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1981 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Vauxhall Astra.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Mercury Cougar | 1980 Vauxhall Astra | |
Make | Mercury | Vauxhall |
Model | Cougar | Astra |
Year Released | 1981 | 1980 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3797 cc | 1297 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 114 HP | 74 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 237 Nm | 102 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 855 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4010 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1650 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2520 mm |