2006 Mercury Mariner vs. 1979 Volkswagen 1302
To start off, 2006 Mercury Mariner is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Volkswagen 1302. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Volkswagen 1302 would be higher. At 2,299 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Mercury Mariner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercury Mariner (153 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1979 Volkswagen 1302. (34 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1979 Volkswagen 1302. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 1261 kg more than 1979 Volkswagen 1302. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Volkswagen 1302 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 1979 Volkswagen 1302. 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, 2006 Mercury Mariner (206 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volkswagen 1302. (84 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2006 Mercury Mariner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volkswagen 1302. 2006 Mercury Mariner has automatic transmission and 1979 Volkswagen 1302 has manual transmission. 1979 Volkswagen 1302 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mercury Mariner will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mercury Mariner | 1979 Volkswagen 1302 | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mariner | 1302 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2299 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.4 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 64 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2011 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2410 mm |
