1999 Mercury Cougar vs. 1997 Opel Astra
To start off, 1999 Mercury Cougar is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Opel Astra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Opel Astra would be higher. At 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercury Cougar (123 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1997 Opel Astra. (59 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1997 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 305 kg more than 1997 Opel Astra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1999 Mercury Cougar (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Opel Astra. (103 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1999 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mercury Cougar | 1997 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Mercury | Opel |
| Model | Cougar | Astra |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1983 cc | 1388 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1005 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2620 mm |
