2005 Mercury Grand Marquis vs. 2006 Opel Astra
To start off, 2006 Opel Astra is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis would be higher. At 4,603 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis (224 HP) has 135 more horse power than 2006 Opel Astra. (89 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 2006 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 627 kg more than 2006 Opel Astra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 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 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis. 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, 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis (373 Nm) has 248 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Opel Astra. (125 Nm). This means 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis | 2006 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Mercury | Opel |
| Model | Grand Marquis | Astra |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4603 cc | 1364 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 224 HP | 89 HP |
| Torque | 373 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1857 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5390 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2920 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.2 L/100km | 6.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 52 L |
