2007 Kia Rio vs. 1998 Mercury Mystique
To start off, 2007 Kia Rio is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercury Mystique. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercury Mystique 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 33 more horse power than 2007 Kia Rio. (96 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercury Mystique should accelerate faster than 2007 Kia Rio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercury Mystique weights approximately 89 kg more than 2007 Kia Rio. 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, 1998 Mercury Mystique (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Kia Rio. (132 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1998 Mercury Mystique will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Kia Rio.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Kia Rio | 1998 Mercury Mystique | |
| Make | Kia | Mercury |
| Model | Rio | Mystique |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1492 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 132 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1153 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2710 mm |
