2004 Caterham 7 vs. 1993 Mercury Mystique
To start off, 2004 Caterham 7 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1993 Mercury Mystique. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1993 Mercury Mystique would be higher. At 2,543 cc (6 cylinders), 1993 Mercury Mystique is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Caterham 7 (251 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1993 Mercury Mystique. (168 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1993 Mercury Mystique. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Mercury Mystique weights approximately 843 kg more than 2004 Caterham 7.
Because 2004 Caterham 7 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 2004 Caterham 7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1993 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, 2004 Caterham 7 (258 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1993 Mercury Mystique. (220 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2004 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1993 Mercury Mystique.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Caterham 7 | 1993 Mercury Mystique | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercury |
| Model | 7 | Mystique |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1993 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 2543 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 258 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 470 kg | 1313 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2710 mm |
