2006 Mercury Mariner vs. 1997 Plymouth Neon
To start off, 2006 Mercury Mariner is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Plymouth Neon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Plymouth Neon 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 70 more horse power than 1997 Plymouth Neon. (131 HP @ 5850 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1997 Plymouth Neon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 462 kg more than 1997 Plymouth Neon. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Mercury Mariner is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Plymouth Neon. 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 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Plymouth Neon. (174 Nm @ 4950 RPM). This means 2006 Mercury Mariner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Plymouth Neon.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mercury Mariner | 1997 Plymouth Neon | |
| Make | Mercury | Plymouth |
| Model | Mariner | Neon |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1997 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2999 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 131 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5850 RPM |
| Torque | 262 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4850 RPM | 4950 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1571 kg | 1109 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 79 L |
