2006 Mercury Mariner vs. 1997 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2006 Mercury Mariner is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,262 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Mercury Mariner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercury Mariner (153 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. (100 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 650 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. 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 Volkswagen Passat. 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 (206 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. (140 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2006 Mercury Mariner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mercury Mariner | 1997 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mariner | Passat |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1997 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2262 cc | 1594 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1925 kg | 1275 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 55 L |
