1996 Mercury Mystique vs. 2010 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2010 Smart ForTwo 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 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Mercury Mystique is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercury Mystique (130 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 2010 Smart ForTwo. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercury Mystique should accelerate faster than 2010 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercury Mystique weights approximately 422 kg more than 2010 Smart ForTwo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2010 Smart ForTwo 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 Smart ForTwo. 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, 1996 Mercury Mystique (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Smart ForTwo. (92 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 Mercury Mystique will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercury Mystique | 2010 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Mercury | Smart |
| Model | Mystique | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 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 | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 2695 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1542 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 1867 mm |
