1996 Chevrolet Cavalier vs. 2005 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2005 Mercury Mariner is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier would be higher. At 2,261 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Mercury Mariner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercury Mariner (153 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier. (120 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 392 kg more than 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Mercury Mariner is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2005 Mercury Mariner (206 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier. (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Mercury Mariner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier | 2005 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercury |
| Model | Cavalier | Mariner |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2190 cc | 2261 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 94 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1187 kg | 1579 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 57 L | 62 L |
