1998 Ford Focus vs. 2009 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2009 Mercury Mariner is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ford Focus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ford Focus would be higher. At 2,967 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Mercury Mariner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercury Mariner (240 HP @ 6550 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1998 Ford Focus. (129 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 810 kg more than 1998 Ford Focus. 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, 2009 Mercury Mariner (302 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Focus. (183 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Mercury Mariner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Focus. 2009 Mercury Mariner has automatic transmission and 1998 Ford Focus has manual transmission. 1998 Ford Focus will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercury Mariner will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Focus | 2009 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Focus | Mariner |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1388 cc | 2967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6550 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 302 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 62 L |
