2006 Mercury Mariner vs. 1996 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2006 Mercury Mariner is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volkswagen Sharan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volkswagen Sharan 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 (201 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Sharan. (113 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Sharan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 145 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 Volkswagen Sharan. 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 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volkswagen Sharan. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2006 Mercury Mariner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volkswagen Sharan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mercury Mariner | 1996 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mariner | Sharan |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1996 |
| Body Type | SUV | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2999 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 262 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4850 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 8 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1571 kg | 1716 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 70 L |
