1996 Mercury Mystique vs. 2012 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Sharan 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 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Mercury Mystique is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Sharan (148 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1996 Mercury Mystique. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Sharan should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercury Mystique. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 481 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 Volkswagen Sharan (240 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercury Mystique. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Sharan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercury Mystique.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercury Mystique | 2012 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mystique | Sharan |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1723 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4854 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1904 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2919 mm |
