1981 Mercury Cougar vs. 2012 Opel Astra
To start off, 2012 Opel Astra is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Opel Astra (138 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 78 kg more than 2012 Opel Astra.
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, 2012 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, 1981 Mercury Cougar (237 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Opel Astra. (175 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1981 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mercury Cougar | 2012 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Mercury | Opel |
| Model | Cougar | Astra |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 1795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 1278 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2620 mm |
