1998 Chevrolet Prizm vs. 1999 Mercury Mountaineer
To start off, 1999 Mercury Mountaineer is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Chevrolet Prizm. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Chevrolet Prizm would be higher. At 4,948 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Mercury Mountaineer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercury Mountaineer (212 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1998 Chevrolet Prizm. (123 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercury Mountaineer should accelerate faster than 1998 Chevrolet Prizm. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercury Mountaineer weights approximately 865 kg more than 1998 Chevrolet Prizm. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 Mercury Mountaineer is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Chevrolet Prizm. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Mercury Mountaineer will offer significantly more control. 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, 1999 Mercury Mountaineer (390 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 221 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Chevrolet Prizm. (169 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1999 Mercury Mountaineer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Chevrolet Prizm. 1999 Mercury Mountaineer has automatic transmission and 1998 Chevrolet Prizm has manual transmission. 1998 Chevrolet Prizm will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Mercury Mountaineer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Chevrolet Prizm | 1999 Mercury Mountaineer | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercury |
| Model | Prizm | Mountaineer |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 4948 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 212 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 390 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1800 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2840 mm |
