1996 Mercury Mystique vs. 2003 TVR Tuscan
To start off, 2003 TVR Tuscan is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercury Mystique. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercury Mystique would be higher. At 3,603 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 TVR Tuscan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 TVR Tuscan (350 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 220 more horse power than 1996 Mercury Mystique. (130 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 TVR Tuscan should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercury Mystique. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercury Mystique weights approximately 42 kg more than 2003 TVR Tuscan.
Because 2003 TVR Tuscan 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 2003 TVR Tuscan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Mercury Mystique, 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, 2003 TVR Tuscan (401 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 221 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercury Mystique. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 TVR Tuscan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercury Mystique.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercury Mystique | 2003 TVR Tuscan | |
| Make | Mercury | TVR |
| Model | Mystique | Tuscan |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 3603 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 350 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7200 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 401 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2370 mm |
