1998 Mazda 121 vs. 2009 Mercury Mountaineer
To start off, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mazda 121. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mazda 121 would be higher. At 4,606 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercury Mountaineer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer (292 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 218 more horse power than 1998 Mazda 121. (74 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer should accelerate faster than 1998 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Mountaineer weights approximately 841 kg more than 1998 Mazda 121. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 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 2009 Mercury Mountaineer. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Mazda 121, 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, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer (427 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 317 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda 121. (110 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercury Mountaineer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda 121. 2009 Mercury Mountaineer has automatic transmission and 1998 Mazda 121 has manual transmission. 1998 Mazda 121 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercury Mountaineer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1998 Mazda 121 | 2009 Mercury Mountaineer | |
Make | Mazda | Mercury |
Model | 121 | Mountaineer |
Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1242 cc | 4606 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
Horse Power | 74 HP | 292 HP |
Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
Torque | 110 Nm | 427 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 7 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 991 kg | 1832 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3830 mm | 4920 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1880 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1860 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2890 mm |