2008 Ford Explorer vs. 1997 Mercury Mystique
To start off, 2008 Ford Explorer is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mercury Mystique. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mercury Mystique would be higher. At 4,013 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Explorer (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1997 Mercury Mystique. (168 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercury Mystique. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Explorer weights approximately 764 kg more than 1997 Mercury Mystique. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Ford Explorer 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 Ford Explorer. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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 Ford Explorer (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercury Mystique. (220 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercury Mystique.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Explorer | 1997 Mercury Mystique | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Explorer | Mystique |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1997 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4013 cc | 2544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2077 kg | 1313 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5350 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3320 mm | 2710 mm |
