1996 Pontiac Sunfire vs. 2010 Mercury Mountaineer
To start off, 2010 Mercury Mountaineer is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Pontiac Sunfire. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Pontiac Sunfire would be higher. At 4,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 Mercury Mountaineer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mercury Mountaineer (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1996 Pontiac Sunfire. (114 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mercury Mountaineer should accelerate faster than 1996 Pontiac Sunfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mercury Mountaineer weights approximately 886 kg more than 1996 Pontiac Sunfire. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2010 Mercury Mountaineer 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 Mercury Mountaineer. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Pontiac Sunfire, 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 Mercury Mountaineer (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 161 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Pontiac Sunfire. (183 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2010 Mercury Mountaineer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Pontiac Sunfire. 2010 Mercury Mountaineer has automatic transmission and 1996 Pontiac Sunfire has manual transmission. 1996 Pontiac Sunfire will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Mercury Mountaineer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Pontiac Sunfire | 2010 Mercury Mountaineer | |
Make | Pontiac | Mercury |
Model | Sunfire | Mountaineer |
Year Released | 1996 | 2010 |
Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2201 cc | 4000 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 114 HP | 210 HP |
Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
Torque | 183 Nm | 344 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3700 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 7 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1206 kg | 2092 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4915 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1872 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1826 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2888 mm |