2004 Mercury Sable vs. 2003 Opel Astra
To start off, 2004 Mercury Sable is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Opel Astra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Opel Astra would be higher. At 2,966 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercury Sable (200 HP) has 26 more horse power than 2003 Opel Astra. (174 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 2003 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercury Sable weights approximately 94 kg more than 2003 Opel Astra. 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 Mercury Sable (271 Nm) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Opel Astra. (251 Nm). This means 2004 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mercury Sable | 2003 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Mercury | Opel |
| Model | Sable | Astra |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2966 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 174 HP |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 86 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1504 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5080 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.7 L/100km | 6.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 12.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.2 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 52 L |
