1980 Dodge Mirada vs. 1999 Mercury Mountaineer
To start off, 1999 Mercury Mountaineer is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Dodge Mirada. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Dodge Mirada would be higher. At 5,210 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Dodge Mirada is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercury Mountaineer (212 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1980 Dodge Mirada. (146 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercury Mountaineer should accelerate faster than 1980 Dodge Mirada. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercury Mountaineer weights approximately 255 kg more than 1980 Dodge Mirada. 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 1980 Dodge Mirada. 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 (390 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Dodge Mirada. (343 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1999 Mercury Mountaineer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Dodge Mirada.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Dodge Mirada | 1999 Mercury Mountaineer | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercury |
| Model | Mirada | Mountaineer |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 4948 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 212 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 343 Nm | 390 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1800 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2840 mm |
