2006 Mercury Mountaineer vs. 1974 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2006 Mercury Mountaineer is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 4,013 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Mercury Mountaineer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercury Mountaineer (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 136 more horse power than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. (74 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercury Mountaineer should accelerate faster than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercury Mountaineer weights approximately 1005 kg more than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Mercury Mountaineer is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Mercury Mountaineer 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 Mountaineer (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 223 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. (121 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2006 Mercury Mountaineer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mercury Mountaineer | 1974 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mountaineer | Passat |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1974 |
| Body Type | SUV | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4013 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1925 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1860 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2480 mm |
