2003 Chevrolet Astro vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2003 Chevrolet Astro is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz E would be higher. At 4,292 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Chevrolet Astro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E (275 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 2003 Chevrolet Astro. (187 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 2003 Chevrolet Astro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 102 kg more than 2003 Chevrolet Astro. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E (400 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Chevrolet Astro. (339 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Chevrolet Astro.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Chevrolet Astro | 1996 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Astro | E |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4292 cc | 4266 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 275 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 339 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 102 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1950 kg | 2052 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 117 L | 80 L |
