2006 Mercury Mariner vs. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 2006 Mercury Mariner is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit 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 91 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (62 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 1201 kg more than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (104 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Mercury Mariner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. 2006 Mercury Mariner has automatic transmission and 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit has manual transmission. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit 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 | 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mariner | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2299 cc | 1455 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2011 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2410 mm |
