1996 Mercury Mystique vs. 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton 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 5,998 cc (12 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton (444 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 315 more horse power than 1996 Mercury Mystique. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercury Mystique. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 76 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Volkswagen Phaeton (551 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 371 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercury Mystique. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercury Mystique.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercury Mystique | 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mystique | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 5998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 444 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 551 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1318 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3010 mm |
