2006 Mercury Mariner vs. 1996 Pontiac Trans Sport
To start off, 2006 Mercury Mariner is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Pontiac Trans Sport. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Pontiac Trans Sport would be higher. At 2,999 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Mercury Mariner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercury Mariner (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1996 Pontiac Trans Sport. (145 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1996 Pontiac Trans Sport. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Pontiac Trans Sport weights approximately 131 kg more than 2006 Mercury Mariner.
Because 2006 Mercury Mariner is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Pontiac Trans Sport. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Mercury Mariner (262 Nm @ 4850 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Pontiac Trans Sport. (190 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2006 Mercury Mariner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Pontiac Trans Sport.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mercury Mariner | 1996 Pontiac Trans Sport | |
| Make | Mercury | Pontiac |
| Model | Mariner | Trans Sport |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1996 |
| Body Type | SUV | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2999 cc | 2260 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 262 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4850 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1571 kg | 1702 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 76 L |
