1982 Mercury Cougar vs. 1991 Opel Astra
To start off, 1991 Opel Astra is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 2,301 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Mercury Cougar (91 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1991 Opel Astra. (82 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1982 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1991 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 290 kg more than 1991 Opel Astra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1982 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 1982 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1991 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, 1982 Mercury Cougar (164 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Opel Astra. (113 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1982 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Mercury Cougar | 1991 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Mercury | Opel |
| Model | Cougar | Astra |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1991 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2301 cc | 1389 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 91 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 164 Nm | 113 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1315 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2450 mm |
