1998 Mercury Grand Marquis vs. 2005 Opel Astra
To start off, 2005 Opel Astra is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis 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 134 more horse power than 2005 Opel Astra. (89 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 2005 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 417 kg more than 2005 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, 2005 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 171 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Opel Astra. (201 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Opel Astra. 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis has automatic transmission and 2005 Opel Astra has manual transmission. 2005 Opel Astra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis | 2005 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Mercury | Opel |
| Model | Grand Marquis | Astra |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4603 cc | 1686 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 223 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 372 Nm | 201 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.2 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 86 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1732 kg | 1315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5390 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2920 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.7 L/100km | 5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 52 L |
