1996 Honda Civic vs. 2009 Mercury Mountaineer
To start off, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda Civic would be higher. At 4,009 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Mercury Mountaineer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 136 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (74 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Mountaineer weights approximately 965 kg more than 1996 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Mercury Mountaineer is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Honda Civic. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer (345 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 235 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercury Mountaineer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic. 2009 Mercury Mountaineer has automatic transmission and 1996 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 1996 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercury Mountaineer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 2009 Mercury Mountaineer | |
| Make | Honda | Mercury |
| Model | Civic | Mountaineer |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1396 cc | 4009 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 345 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1860 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2890 mm |
