1979 Bitter Diplomat vs. 2006 Mercury Mountaineer
To start off, 2006 Mercury Mountaineer is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Bitter Diplomat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Bitter Diplomat would be higher. At 5,354 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Bitter Diplomat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercury Mountaineer (292 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1979 Bitter Diplomat. (227 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercury Mountaineer should accelerate faster than 1979 Bitter Diplomat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercury Mountaineer weights approximately 239 kg more than 1979 Bitter Diplomat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Mercury Mountaineer is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Bitter Diplomat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 1979 Bitter Diplomat (419 Nm @ 3100 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mercury Mountaineer. (408 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 1979 Bitter Diplomat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mercury Mountaineer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Bitter Diplomat | 2006 Mercury Mountaineer | |
| Make | Bitter | Mercury |
| Model | Diplomat | Mountaineer |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5354 cc | 4605 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 292 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 419 Nm | 408 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Vehicle Weight | 1686 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1860 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2890 mm |
