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 2,299 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Mercury Mariner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercury Mariner (153 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1976 Ford Taunus. (96 HP @ 5200 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 951 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 1976 Ford Taunus 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 1976 Ford Taunus. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Mercury Mariner, 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, 2006 Mercury Mariner (206 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Taunus. (152 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Mercury Mariner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Taunus. 2006 Mercury Mariner has automatic transmission and 1976 Ford Taunus has manual transmission. 1976 Ford Taunus will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mercury Mariner will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
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 | 1998 cc | 2299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.8 mm | 87.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 94 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 2011 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 62 L |
