1997 Chevrolet Astro vs. 1999 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1999 Mercury Cougar is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Chevrolet Astro. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Chevrolet Astro would be higher. At 4,293 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Chevrolet Astro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Chevrolet Astro (183 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1999 Mercury Cougar. (168 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Astro should accelerate faster than 1999 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Chevrolet Astro weights approximately 551 kg more than 1999 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Chevrolet Astro is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1999 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Astro will offer significantly more control. 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, 1997 Chevrolet Astro (338 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mercury Cougar. (223 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1997 Chevrolet Astro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Chevrolet Astro | 1999 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercury |
| Model | Astro | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4293 cc | 2530 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 183 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.7 mm | 82.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1895 kg | 1344 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2710 mm |
