2006 Honda Element vs. 1996 Mercury Mystique
To start off, 2006 Honda Element is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercury Mystique. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercury Mystique would be higher. At 2,360 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Honda Element is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Honda Element (156 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1996 Mercury Mystique. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Honda Element should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercury Mystique. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Honda Element weights approximately 750 kg more than 1996 Mercury Mystique. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Honda Element is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Mercury Mystique. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Honda Element 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, 2006 Honda Element (217 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercury Mystique. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Honda Element will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercury Mystique.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Honda Element | 1996 Mercury Mystique | |
| Make | Honda | Mercury |
| Model | Element | Mystique |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2360 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1992 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2710 mm |
