2002 Ford Taurus vs. 2006 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2006 Mercury Mariner is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Ford Taurus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Ford Taurus would be higher. At 2,999 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Mercury Mariner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercury Mariner (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 2002 Ford Taurus. (153 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 2002 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 94 kg more than 2002 Ford Taurus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Mercury Mariner is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2002 Ford Taurus. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Mercury Mariner 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, 2006 Mercury Mariner (262 Nm @ 4850 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Ford Taurus. (244 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2006 Mercury Mariner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Ford Taurus | 2006 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Taurus | Mariner |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2933 cc | 2999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 262 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 4850 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1477 kg | 1571 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 62 L |
