1996 Ford Mustang vs. 2002 Mercury Villager
To start off, 2002 Mercury Villager is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,655 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Mustang (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 2002 Mercury Villager. (168 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2002 Mercury Villager. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercury Villager weights approximately 238 kg more than 1996 Ford Mustang.
Because 1996 Ford Mustang 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 1996 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Mercury Villager, 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, 1996 Ford Mustang (386 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mercury Villager. (271 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mercury Villager. 2002 Mercury Villager has automatic transmission and 1996 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 1996 Ford Mustang will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Mercury Villager will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Mustang | 2002 Mercury Villager | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Mustang | Villager |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4655 cc | 3274 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 386 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1547 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2860 mm |
