2009 Lotus Exige vs. 1996 Mercury Mystique
To start off, 2009 Lotus Exige 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 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Mercury Mystique is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Exige (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1996 Mercury Mystique. (130 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercury Mystique. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercury Mystique weights approximately 326 kg more than 2009 Lotus Exige.
Because 2009 Lotus Exige 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 2009 Lotus Exige. 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, both vehicles can yield 180 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Exige | 1996 Mercury Mystique | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercury |
| Model | Exige | Mystique |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 916 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2710 mm |
