2009 Opel Astra vs. 2000 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2009 Opel Astra is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Opel Astra (197 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 2000 Mercury Cougar. (123 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 2000 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Opel Astra weights approximately 76 kg more than 2000 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, 2009 Opel Astra (262 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Mercury Cougar. (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Mercury Cougar. 2000 Mercury Cougar has automatic transmission and 2009 Opel Astra has manual transmission. 2009 Opel Astra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2000 Mercury Cougar will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Opel Astra | 2000 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Opel | Mercury |
| Model | Astra | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 262 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1386 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2710 mm |
