2004 Mercury Mariner vs. 1994 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2004 Mercury Mariner is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,260 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Mercury Mariner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercury Mariner (152 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1994 Volkswagen Passat. (89 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1994 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 300 kg more than 1994 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Mercury Mariner is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1994 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2004 Mercury Mariner (206 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Volkswagen Passat. (150 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2004 Mercury Mariner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Volkswagen Passat. 2004 Mercury Mariner has automatic transmission and 1994 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1994 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Mercury Mariner will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mercury Mariner | 1994 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mariner | Passat |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1994 |
| Body Type | SUV | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2260 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 152 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1545 kg | 1245 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 70 L |
