1996 Mazda Sentia vs. 2004 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2004 Mercury Mariner is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mazda Sentia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mazda Sentia would be higher. At 2,999 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Mercury Mariner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercury Mariner (197 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1996 Mazda Sentia. (158 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1996 Mazda Sentia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 4 kg more than 1996 Mazda Sentia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Mazda Sentia 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 Mazda Sentia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2004 Mercury Mariner (262 Nm @ 4850 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mazda Sentia. (245 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2004 Mercury Mariner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mazda Sentia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mazda Sentia | 2004 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | Sentia | Mariner |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2954 cc | 2999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 262 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4850 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1566 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2630 mm |
