1976 Ford Taunus vs. 2006 Mercury Mountaineer
To start off, 2006 Mercury Mountaineer 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 4,015 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Mercury Mountaineer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercury Mountaineer (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 143 more horse power than 1976 Ford Taunus. (67 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercury Mountaineer should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercury Mountaineer weights approximately 1020 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 Mountaineer 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 Mountaineer 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 Mountaineer (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 229 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Taunus. (115 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2006 Mercury Mountaineer 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 Mountaineer | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Taunus | Mountaineer |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 4015 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 115 Nm | 344 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.7 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Vehicle Weight | 1056 kg | 2076 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1860 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2890 mm |
