1985 Mercury Grand Marquis vs. 1999 Opel Astra
To start off, 1999 Opel Astra is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mercury Grand Marquis. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mercury Grand Marquis would be higher. At 4,940 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Mercury Grand Marquis (148 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1999 Opel Astra. (88 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 1999 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 560 kg more than 1999 Opel Astra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1985 Mercury Grand Marquis 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 1985 Mercury Grand Marquis. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1985 Mercury Grand Marquis (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 241 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Opel Astra. (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1985 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Mercury Grand Marquis | 1999 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Mercury | Opel |
| Model | Grand Marquis | Astra |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4940 cc | 1389 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 88 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5400 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2920 mm | 2620 mm |
