1996 De Tomaso Pantera vs. 2006 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2006 Mercury Mariner is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 De Tomaso Pantera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 De Tomaso Pantera would be higher. At 5,761 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 De Tomaso Pantera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 De Tomaso Pantera (350 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 197 more horse power than 2006 Mercury Mariner. (153 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 De Tomaso Pantera should accelerate faster than 2006 Mercury Mariner. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 589 kg more than 1996 De Tomaso Pantera.
Because 1996 De Tomaso Pantera 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 1996 De Tomaso Pantera. 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, 1996 De Tomaso Pantera (460 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 254 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mercury Mariner. (206 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1996 De Tomaso Pantera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mercury Mariner. 2006 Mercury Mariner has automatic transmission and 1996 De Tomaso Pantera has manual transmission. 1996 De Tomaso Pantera 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:
| 1996 De Tomaso Pantera | 2006 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | De Tomaso | Mercury |
| Model | Pantera | Mariner |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 5761 cc | 2299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 460 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1422 kg | 2011 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2630 mm |
