2009 Dodge Nitro vs. 1999 Mercury Mountaineer
To start off, 2009 Dodge Nitro is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Mercury Mountaineer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Mercury Mountaineer would be higher. At 4,948 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Mercury Mountaineer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercury Mountaineer (212 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 2009 Dodge Nitro. (175 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercury Mountaineer should accelerate faster than 2009 Dodge Nitro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercury Mountaineer weights approximately 264 kg more than 2009 Dodge Nitro. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or 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, 2009 Dodge Nitro (410 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mercury Mountaineer. (390 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mercury Mountaineer.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Nitro | 1999 Mercury Mountaineer | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercury |
| Model | Nitro | Mountaineer |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1999 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2778 cc | 4948 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 212 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 410 Nm | 390 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1691 kg | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2840 mm |
