1996 Mercury Mystique vs. 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe
To start off, 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe is newer by 16 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 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe (175 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1996 Mercury Mystique. (130 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercury Mystique. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe weights approximately 448 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, 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe (229 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercury Mystique. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercury Mystique.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercury Mystique | 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe | |
| Make | Mercury | Hyundai |
| Model | Mystique | Santa Fe |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 229 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4685 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1725 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2700 mm |
