1996 Ford Taurus vs. 2009 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2009 Mercury Mariner is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Taurus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Taurus would be higher. At 3,392 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Taurus (235 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 2009 Mercury Mariner. (170 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 2009 Mercury Mariner. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 333 kg more than 1996 Ford Taurus.
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, 1996 Ford Taurus (312 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mercury Mariner. (171 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mercury Mariner. 1996 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 2009 Mercury Mariner has manual transmission. 2009 Mercury Mariner will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Taurus | 2009 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Taurus | Mariner |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3392 cc | 2501 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 235 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 171 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1592 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 62 L |
