2002 Mercury Cougar vs. 2004 Opel Astra
To start off, 2004 Opel Astra is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Opel Astra (197 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 2002 Mercury Cougar. (123 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 2002 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Opel Astra weights approximately 76 kg more than 2002 Mercury Cougar. 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, 2004 Opel Astra (262 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mercury Cougar. (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercury Cougar | 2004 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Mercury | Opel |
| Model | Cougar | Astra |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1982 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 262 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1386 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2740 mm |
