2002 Chevrolet Astro vs. 1973 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2002 Chevrolet Astro is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 6,589 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Chevrolet Astro (187 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Cougar. (168 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Chevrolet Astro should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Chevrolet Astro weights approximately 25 kg more than 1973 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 Chevrolet Astro is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1973 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 1973 Mercury Cougar (375 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Chevrolet Astro. (339 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Chevrolet Astro.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Chevrolet Astro | 1973 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercury |
| Model | Astro | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4294 cc | 6589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 339 Nm | 375 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2080 kg | 2055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2910 mm |
