1998 Mercury Grand Marquis vs. 1991 Opel Astra
To start off, 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Opel Astra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Opel Astra would be higher. At 4,603 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis (223 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 1991 Opel Astra. (100 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 1991 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 672 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 1998 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 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis. 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, 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis (372 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 237 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Opel Astra. (135 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis | 1991 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Mercury | Opel |
| Model | Grand Marquis | Astra |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1991 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4603 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 223 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 372 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1732 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5390 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2920 mm | 2530 mm |
