2003 Chevrolet Astro vs. 1999 Mercury Sable
To start off, 2003 Chevrolet Astro is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Mercury Sable. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Mercury Sable would be higher. At 4,292 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Chevrolet Astro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Chevrolet Astro (187 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1999 Mercury Sable. (152 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Chevrolet Astro should accelerate faster than 1999 Mercury Sable. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Chevrolet Astro weights approximately 385 kg more than 1999 Mercury Sable. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Chevrolet Astro is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2003 Chevrolet Astro. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Mercury Sable, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2003 Chevrolet Astro (339 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mercury Sable. (246 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Chevrolet Astro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mercury Sable.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Chevrolet Astro | 1999 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercury |
| Model | Astro | Sable |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4292 cc | 2982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 339 Nm | 246 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 102 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 79 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1950 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 117 L | 68 L |
