1998 Mazda Midge vs. 2005 Mercury Mountaineer
To start off, 2005 Mercury Mountaineer is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mazda Midge. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mazda Midge would be higher. At 3,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Mercury Mountaineer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercury Mountaineer (202 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 135 more horse power than 1998 Mazda Midge. (67 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercury Mountaineer should accelerate faster than 1998 Mazda Midge. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercury Mountaineer weights approximately 1083 kg more than 1998 Mazda Midge. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Mercury Mountaineer is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Mazda Midge. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2005 Mercury Mountaineer (339 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 238 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda Midge. (101 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Mercury Mountaineer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda Midge. 2005 Mercury Mountaineer has automatic transmission and 1998 Mazda Midge has manual transmission. 1998 Mazda Midge will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mercury Mountaineer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mazda Midge | 2005 Mercury Mountaineer | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | Midge | Mountaineer |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1323 cc | 3996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 202 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 101 Nm | 339 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 2049 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1850 mm |
