2003 Mercury Marauder vs. 2001 Opel Astra
To start off, 2003 Mercury Marauder is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Opel Astra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Opel Astra would be higher. At 4,606 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Mercury Marauder is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercury Marauder (296 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 144 more horse power than 2001 Opel Astra. (152 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercury Marauder should accelerate faster than 2001 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercury Marauder weights approximately 495 kg more than 2001 Opel Astra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Mercury Marauder 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 2003 Mercury Marauder. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 2003 Mercury Marauder (420 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 217 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Opel Astra. (203 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Mercury Marauder will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Opel Astra. 2003 Mercury Marauder has automatic transmission and 2001 Opel Astra has manual transmission. 2001 Opel Astra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercury Marauder will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercury Marauder | 2001 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Mercury | Opel |
| Model | Marauder | Astra |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4606 cc | 2171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1885 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5390 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 53 L |
