2005 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2006 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2006 Mercury Mariner is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 3,933 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Ford Thunderbird (280 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 2006 Mercury Mariner. (153 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 2006 Mercury Mariner. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 259 kg more than 2005 Ford Thunderbird.
Because 2005 Ford Thunderbird 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 2005 Ford Thunderbird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2005 Ford Thunderbird (388 Nm) has 182 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mercury Mariner. (206 Nm). This means 2005 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mercury Mariner.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Ford Thunderbird | 2006 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Thunderbird | Mariner |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3933 cc | 2299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 280 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 388 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 87.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1752 kg | 2011 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.8 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 62 L |
