1971 Ford Mustang vs. 1997 Mercury Mystique
To start off, 1997 Mercury Mystique is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,726 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Ford Mustang (251 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1997 Mercury Mystique. (168 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercury Mystique. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercury Mystique weights approximately 313 kg more than 1971 Ford Mustang.
Because 1971 Ford Mustang 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 1971 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Mercury Mystique, 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, 1997 Mercury Mystique (220 Nm) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Ford Mustang. (146 Nm). This means 1997 Mercury Mystique will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Ford Mustang. 1997 Mercury Mystique has automatic transmission and 1971 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 1971 Ford Mustang will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Mercury Mystique will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Ford Mustang | 1997 Mercury Mystique | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Mustang | Mystique |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4726 cc | 2544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1313 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2710 mm |
