1996 Ford Mustang vs. 2006 Mercury Mountaineer
To start off, 2006 Mercury Mountaineer is newer by 10 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, 2006 Mercury Mountaineer (292 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1996 Ford Mustang. (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercury Mountaineer should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercury Mountaineer weights approximately 378 kg more than 1996 Ford Mustang. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Mercury Mountaineer is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Ford Mustang. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Mercury Mountaineer (408 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Mustang. (386 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Mercury Mountaineer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Mustang | 2006 Mercury Mountaineer | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Mustang | Mountaineer |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4655 cc | 4605 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 292 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 386 Nm | 408 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.3 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.9 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1547 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1860 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 85 L |
