1982 Mercury Cougar vs. 2006 Opel Astra
To start off, 2006 Opel Astra is newer by 24 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, 2006 Opel Astra (99 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1982 Mercury Cougar. (91 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1982 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Opel Astra weights approximately 50 kg more than 1982 Mercury Cougar. 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, 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, 2006 Opel Astra (240 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Mercury Cougar. (164 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2006 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Mercury Cougar | 2006 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Mercury | Opel |
| Model | Cougar | Astra |
| Year Released | 1982 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2301 cc | 1686 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 91 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 164 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1315 kg | 1365 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 |
