1979 Ford Taunus vs. 1999 Mercury Mountaineer
To start off, 1999 Mercury Mountaineer is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Taunus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Taunus would be higher. At 4,012 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Mercury Mountaineer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercury Mountaineer (208 HP) has 151 more horse power than 1979 Ford Taunus. (57 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercury Mountaineer should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercury Mountaineer weights approximately 905 kg more than 1979 Ford Taunus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 Mercury Mountaineer is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Ford Taunus. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1999 Mercury Mountaineer (325 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 233 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Taunus. (92 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1999 Mercury Mountaineer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Taunus. 1999 Mercury Mountaineer has automatic transmission and 1979 Ford Taunus has manual transmission. 1979 Ford Taunus will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Mercury Mountaineer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Taunus | 1999 Mercury Mountaineer | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Taunus | Mountaineer |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1293 cc | 4012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 57 HP | 208 HP |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1800 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2840 mm |
