1996 Suzuki Vitara vs. 2011 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2011 Mercury Mariner is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Suzuki Vitara. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Suzuki Vitara would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mercury Mariner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercury Mariner (171 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1996 Suzuki Vitara. (77 HP @ 5350 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1996 Suzuki Vitara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 519 kg more than 1996 Suzuki Vitara. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Suzuki Vitara is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2011 Mercury Mariner. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Suzuki Vitara 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, 2011 Mercury Mariner (232 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Suzuki Vitara. (126 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 Mercury Mariner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Suzuki Vitara. 2011 Mercury Mariner has automatic transmission and 1996 Suzuki Vitara has manual transmission. 1996 Suzuki Vitara will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mercury Mariner will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Suzuki Vitara | 2011 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Suzuki | Mercury |
| Model | Vitara | Mariner |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1590 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 77 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5350 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 996 kg | 1515 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4458 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1806 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1710 mm | 1778 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2619 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 62 L |
