2002 Mercury Villager vs. 1998 Plymouth Neon
To start off, 2002 Mercury Villager is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Plymouth Neon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Plymouth Neon would be higher. At 3,274 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Mercury Villager is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercury Villager (168 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1998 Plymouth Neon. (131 HP @ 5850 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercury Villager should accelerate faster than 1998 Plymouth Neon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercury Villager weights approximately 675 kg more than 1998 Plymouth Neon. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2002 Mercury Villager (271 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Plymouth Neon. (174 Nm @ 4950 RPM). This means 2002 Mercury Villager will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Plymouth Neon. 2002 Mercury Villager has automatic transmission and 1998 Plymouth Neon has manual transmission. 1998 Plymouth Neon will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Mercury Villager will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercury Villager | 1998 Plymouth Neon | |
| Make | Mercury | Plymouth |
| Model | Villager | Neon |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3274 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 131 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5850 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4950 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2650 mm |
