2003 Mercury Marauder vs. 2005 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mercury Marauder. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercury Marauder would be higher. At 4,606 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Mercury Marauder is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercury Marauder (296 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. (170 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercury Marauder should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercury Marauder weights approximately 431 kg more than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Mercury Marauder 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 2003 Mercury Marauder. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 2003 Mercury Marauder (420 Nm) has 194 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. (226 Nm). This means 2003 Mercury Marauder will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercury Marauder | 2005 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Marauder | Passat |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4606 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1885 kg | 1454 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5390 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.2 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 62 L |
