2009 Mercury Mariner vs. 1998 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2009 Mercury Mariner is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Volkswagen Polo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Volkswagen Polo would be higher. At 2,488 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mercury Mariner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercury Mariner (153 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1998 Volkswagen Polo. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1998 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 965 kg more than 1998 Volkswagen Polo. 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 1998 Volkswagen Polo. 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 (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Volkswagen Polo. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercury Mariner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercury Mariner | 1998 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mariner | Polo |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2488 cc | 1043 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 184 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1925 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2410 mm |
