2006 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2011 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2011 Mercury Mariner is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mercury Mariner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercury Mariner (177 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. (100 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 343 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2011 Mercury Mariner. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Golf 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 Volkswagen Golf (240 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mercury Mariner. (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mercury Mariner.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Volkswagen Golf | 2011 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Mercury |
| Model | Golf | Mariner |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1901 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1321 kg | 1664 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1806 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1727 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2619 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 5.5 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 6.5 L/100km | 6.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 57 L |
