2003 Holden Astra vs. 2005 Mercury Mountaineer
To start off, 2005 Mercury Mountaineer is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Holden Astra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Holden Astra would be higher. At 3,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Mercury Mountaineer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercury Mountaineer (202 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 2003 Holden Astra. (120 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercury Mountaineer should accelerate faster than 2003 Holden Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercury Mountaineer weights approximately 899 kg more than 2003 Holden Astra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Mercury Mountaineer is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Holden Astra. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Mercury Mountaineer 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, 2005 Mercury Mountaineer (339 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 174 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Holden Astra. (165 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2005 Mercury Mountaineer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Holden Astra. 2005 Mercury Mountaineer has automatic transmission and 2003 Holden Astra has manual transmission. 2003 Holden Astra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mercury Mountaineer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Holden Astra | 2005 Mercury Mountaineer | |
| Make | Holden | Mercury |
| Model | Astra | Mountaineer |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 3996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 202 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 339 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 2049 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2870 mm |
