1976 Ford Taunus vs. 2006 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2006 Mercury Mariner is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Taunus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Taunus would be higher. At 2,262 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Mercury Mariner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercury Mariner (153 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1976 Ford Taunus. (89 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 810 kg more than 1976 Ford Taunus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Mercury Mariner is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1976 Ford Taunus. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Mercury Mariner 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, 2006 Mercury Mariner (206 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Taunus. (149 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Mercury Mariner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Taunus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Taunus | 2006 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Taunus | Mariner |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 2262 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2630 mm |
