1996 Ford Probe 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 Ford Probe. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Probe 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 35 more horse power than 1996 Ford Probe. (118 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Probe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 781 kg more than 1996 Ford Probe. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Probe. (170 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Mercury Mariner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Probe. 2006 Mercury Mariner has automatic transmission and 1996 Ford Probe has manual transmission. 1996 Ford Probe 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 Ford Probe | 2006 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Probe | Mariner |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 87.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 2011 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 62 L |
