2009 Mercury Mountaineer vs. 1999 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 4,606 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercury Mountaineer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer (292 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 144 more horse power than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer should accelerate faster than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Mountaineer weights approximately 592 kg more than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. 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, 1999 Volkswagen Golf, 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 (427 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 217 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. (210 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2009 Mercury Mountaineer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. 2009 Mercury Mountaineer has automatic transmission and 1999 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1999 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercury Mountaineer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercury Mountaineer | 1999 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mountaineer | Golf |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1999 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4606 cc | 2324 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 292 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1832 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1860 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2520 mm |
