1997 Mazda MPV vs. 2008 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2008 Mercury Mariner is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mazda MPV. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mazda MPV would be higher. At 2,954 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Mazda MPV is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mazda MPV (146 HP @ 4700 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 2008 Mercury Mariner. (133 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mazda MPV should accelerate faster than 2008 Mercury Mariner. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 203 kg more than 1997 Mazda MPV.
Because 1997 Mazda MPV 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 1997 Mazda MPV. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 1997 Mazda MPV (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mercury Mariner. (168 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1997 Mazda MPV will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mercury Mariner.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Mazda MPV | 2008 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | MPV | Mariner |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Minivan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2954 cc | 2299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1722 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2630 mm |
