2009 Mercury Mountaineer vs. 1981 Plymouth Horizon
To start off, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Plymouth Horizon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Plymouth Horizon would be higher. At 4,009 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Mercury Mountaineer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 1981 Plymouth Horizon. (62 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer should accelerate faster than 1981 Plymouth Horizon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Mountaineer weights approximately 925 kg more than 1981 Plymouth Horizon. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Mercury Mountaineer 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 Mercury Mountaineer. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Plymouth Horizon, 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, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 229 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Plymouth Horizon. (115 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 Mercury Mountaineer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Plymouth Horizon.
Compare all specifications:
2009 Mercury Mountaineer | 1981 Plymouth Horizon | |
Make | Mercury | Plymouth |
Model | Mountaineer | Horizon |
Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4009 cc | 1715 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 210 HP | 62 HP |
Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 5200 RPM |
Torque | 344 Nm | 115 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1925 kg | 1000 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4190 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1680 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1860 mm | 1360 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2530 mm |