2009 Mercury Mountaineer vs. 1998 Opel Astra
To start off, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Opel Astra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Opel Astra would be higher. At 4,009 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Mercury Mountaineer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 136 more horse power than 1998 Opel Astra. (74 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer should accelerate faster than 1998 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Mountaineer weights approximately 755 kg more than 1998 Opel Astra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Mercury Mountaineer 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 2009 Mercury Mountaineer. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 177 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Opel Astra. (167 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2009 Mercury Mountaineer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Opel Astra. 2009 Mercury Mountaineer has automatic transmission and 1998 Opel Astra has manual transmission. 1998 Opel Astra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercury Mountaineer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercury Mountaineer | 1998 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Mercury | Opel |
| Model | Mountaineer | Astra |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4009 cc | 1686 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 18.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1925 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1860 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 53 L |
