2005 Mercury Mariner vs. 2003 Volkswagen Touareg
To start off, 2005 Mercury Mariner is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Volkswagen Touareg. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volkswagen Touareg would be higher. At 4,172 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Touareg is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Touareg (306 HP) has 106 more horse power than 2005 Mercury Mariner. (200 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Touareg should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercury Mariner. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Touareg weights approximately 901 kg more than 2005 Mercury Mariner. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Volkswagen Touareg is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2005 Mercury Mariner. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Touareg 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, 2003 Volkswagen Touareg (410 Nm) has 148 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mercury Mariner. (262 Nm). This means 2003 Volkswagen Touareg will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mercury Mariner.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercury Mariner | 2003 Volkswagen Touareg | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mariner | Touareg |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2999 cc | 4172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 306 HP |
| Torque | 262 Nm | 410 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1499 kg | 2400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 100 L |
