2009 Mercury Mountaineer vs. 2008 Opel Astra
To start off, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Opel Astra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Opel Astra would be higher. At 4,606 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercury Mountaineer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer (292 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 2008 Opel Astra. (178 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer should accelerate faster than 2008 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Mountaineer weights approximately 447 kg more than 2008 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, 2008 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 (427 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 197 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Opel Astra. (230 Nm @ 1950 RPM). This means 2009 Mercury Mountaineer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Opel Astra. 2009 Mercury Mountaineer has automatic transmission and 2008 Opel Astra has manual transmission. 2008 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 | 2008 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Mercury | Opel |
| Model | Mountaineer | Astra |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4606 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 292 HP | 178 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1950 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1832 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1860 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.2 L/100km | 5.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.8 L/100km | 7.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 52 L |
