2006 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2010 Mercury Mountaineer
To start off, 2010 Mercury Mountaineer is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 4,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 Mercury Mountaineer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mercury Mountaineer (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mercury Mountaineer should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mercury Mountaineer weights approximately 735 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2010 Mercury Mountaineer is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2010 Mercury Mountaineer. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Passat, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2010 Mercury Mountaineer (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2010 Mercury Mountaineer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. 2010 Mercury Mountaineer has automatic transmission and 2006 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2006 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Mercury Mountaineer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Volkswagen Passat | 2010 Mercury Mountaineer | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Mercury |
| Model | Passat | Mountaineer |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 4000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 344 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1318 kg | 2053 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4915 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1826 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2888 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 85 L |
