2006 Mercury Mariner vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Mercury Mariner. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Mercury Mariner would be higher. At 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 362 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 2006 Mercury Mariner is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 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, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (349 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 181 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mercury Mariner. (168 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mercury Mariner.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mercury Mariner | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mariner | Passat |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2299 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 0 HP | 280 HP |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1925 kg | 1563 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4769 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2712 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.1 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 7.1 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 57 L | 70 L |
