1982 Nissan Prairie vs. 2010 Mercury Mountaineer
To start off, 2010 Mercury Mountaineer is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Nissan Prairie. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Nissan Prairie would be higher. At 4,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 Mercury Mountaineer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mercury Mountaineer (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 1982 Nissan Prairie. (79 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mercury Mountaineer should accelerate faster than 1982 Nissan Prairie. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mercury Mountaineer weights approximately 1117 kg more than 1982 Nissan Prairie. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2010 Mercury Mountaineer 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 2010 Mercury Mountaineer. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 Nissan Prairie, 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, 2010 Mercury Mountaineer (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 223 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Nissan Prairie. (121 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2010 Mercury Mountaineer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Nissan Prairie. 2010 Mercury Mountaineer has automatic transmission and 1982 Nissan Prairie has manual transmission. 1982 Nissan Prairie will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Mercury Mountaineer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Nissan Prairie | 2010 Mercury Mountaineer | |
| Make | Nissan | Mercury |
| Model | Prairie | Mountaineer |
| Year Released | 1982 | 2010 |
| Engine Size | 1485 cc | 4000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 344 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 975 kg | 2092 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4915 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1826 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2888 mm |
