2006 Mercury Mountaineer vs. 1996 Pontiac Trans Sport
To start off, 2006 Mercury Mountaineer is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Pontiac Trans Sport. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Pontiac Trans Sport would be higher. At 4,015 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Mercury Mountaineer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercury Mountaineer (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1996 Pontiac Trans Sport. (145 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercury Mountaineer should accelerate faster than 1996 Pontiac Trans Sport. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercury Mountaineer weights approximately 374 kg more than 1996 Pontiac Trans Sport. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Mercury Mountaineer is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Pontiac Trans Sport. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Mercury Mountaineer (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Pontiac Trans Sport. (190 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2006 Mercury Mountaineer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Pontiac Trans Sport.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mercury Mountaineer | 1996 Pontiac Trans Sport | |
| Make | Mercury | Pontiac |
| Model | Mountaineer | Trans Sport |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1996 |
| Body Type | SUV | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4015 cc | 2260 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2076 kg | 1702 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1860 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 76 L |
