1998 Mercury Mystique vs. 1961 NSU Prinz IV
To start off, 1998 Mercury Mystique is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 NSU Prinz IV. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 NSU Prinz IV would be higher. At 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mercury Mystique is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercury Mystique (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1961 NSU Prinz IV. (30 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercury Mystique should accelerate faster than 1961 NSU Prinz IV. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercury Mystique weights approximately 677 kg more than 1961 NSU Prinz IV. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 NSU Prinz IV 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 1961 NSU Prinz IV. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Mercury Mystique, 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, 1998 Mercury Mystique (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 NSU Prinz IV. (44 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1998 Mercury Mystique will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 NSU Prinz IV.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercury Mystique | 1961 NSU Prinz IV | |
| Make | Mercury | NSU |
| Model | Mystique | Prinz IV |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 30 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 44 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 3570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2050 mm |
