2008 Cadillac CTS vs. 1996 Mercury Mystique
To start off, 2008 Cadillac CTS is newer by 12 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 3,175 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Cadillac CTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Cadillac CTS (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1996 Mercury Mystique. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercury Mystique. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 548 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 2008 Cadillac CTS 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 2008 Cadillac CTS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 2008 Cadillac CTS (300 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercury Mystique. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Cadillac CTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercury Mystique.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Cadillac CTS | 1996 Mercury Mystique | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mercury |
| Model | CTS | Mystique |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3175 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1790 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2710 mm |
