1996 Mercury Mystique vs. 2010 BMW 123
To start off, 2010 BMW 123 is newer by 14 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 BMW 123 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 BMW 123 (202 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1996 Mercury Mystique. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 BMW 123 should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercury Mystique. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 BMW 123 weights approximately 253 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 2010 BMW 123 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 2010 BMW 123. 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, 2010 BMW 123 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 220 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercury Mystique. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2010 BMW 123 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercury Mystique.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercury Mystique | 2010 BMW 123 | |
| Make | Mercury | BMW |
| Model | Mystique | 123 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 202 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1423 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2660 mm |
