2009 Ford Taurus X vs. 1996 Mercury Mystique
To start off, 2009 Ford Taurus X is newer by 13 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 3,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Ford Taurus X is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Taurus X (263 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 1996 Mercury Mystique. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Taurus X should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercury Mystique. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercury Mystique weights approximately 135 kg more than 2009 Ford Taurus X.
Because 2009 Ford Taurus X is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Mercury Mystique. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Ford Taurus X 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, 2009 Ford Taurus X (338 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercury Mystique. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Taurus X will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercury Mystique.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Taurus X | 1996 Mercury Mystique | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Taurus X | Mystique |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 263 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1107 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1720 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2710 mm |
