1996 Mercury Mystique vs. 2006 Renault Clio
To start off, 2006 Renault Clio is newer by 10 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 2,946 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Renault Clio is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Renault Clio (251 HP @ 7150 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 1996 Mercury Mystique. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Renault Clio should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercury Mystique. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Renault Clio weights approximately 168 kg more than 1996 Mercury Mystique. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Renault Clio 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 2006 Renault Clio. 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, 2006 Renault Clio (300 Nm @ 4650 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercury Mystique. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Renault Clio will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercury Mystique.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercury Mystique | 2006 Renault Clio | |
| Make | Mercury | Renault |
| Model | Mystique | Clio |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2946 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 251 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7150 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4650 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 3850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2540 mm |
