2009 Mercury Mariner vs. 1973 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2009 Mercury Mariner is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,967 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Mercury Mariner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercury Mariner (240 HP @ 6550 RPM) has 191 more horse power than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 1010 kg more than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Mercury Mariner is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Mercury Mariner (302 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 220 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. (82 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercury Mariner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercury Mariner | 1973 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mariner | Passat |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2967 cc | 1471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6550 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 302 Nm | 82 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 23.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1925 kg | 915 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 45 L |
