1988 Honda Legend vs. 2009 Mercury Mountaineer
To start off, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Honda Legend. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Honda Legend would be higher. At 4,606 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercury Mountaineer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer (292 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1988 Honda Legend. (188 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer should accelerate faster than 1988 Honda Legend. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Mountaineer weights approximately 532 kg more than 1988 Honda Legend. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 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 2009 Mercury Mountaineer. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Honda Legend, 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, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer (427 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 186 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Honda Legend. (241 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Mercury Mountaineer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Honda Legend.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Honda Legend | 2009 Mercury Mountaineer | |
| Make | Honda | Mercury |
| Model | Legend | Mountaineer |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 4606 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 188 HP | 292 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 241 Nm | 427 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1832 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1860 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 85 L |
