2009 Mercury Mountaineer vs. 1997 Dodge Intrepid
To start off, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Dodge Intrepid. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Dodge Intrepid would be higher. At 4,009 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Mercury Mountaineer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Dodge Intrepid (214 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2009 Mercury Mountaineer. (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Dodge Intrepid should accelerate faster than 2009 Mercury Mountaineer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Mountaineer weights approximately 420 kg more than 1997 Dodge Intrepid.
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, 1997 Dodge Intrepid, 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 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Dodge Intrepid. (339 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2009 Mercury Mountaineer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Dodge Intrepid.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercury Mountaineer | 1997 Dodge Intrepid | |
| Make | Mercury | Dodge |
| Model | Mountaineer | Intrepid |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4009 cc | 3518 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 214 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 339 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1925 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 5123 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1860 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 68 L |
