2009 Mercury Mariner vs. 2006 Opel Astra
To start off, 2009 Mercury Mariner is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Opel Astra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Opel Astra 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 141 more horse power than 2006 Opel Astra. (99 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 2006 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 530 kg more than 2006 Opel Astra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 42 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Opel Astra. (260 Nm @ 1700 RPM). This means 2009 Mercury Mariner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Opel Astra. 2009 Mercury Mariner has automatic transmission and 2006 Opel Astra has manual transmission. 2006 Opel Astra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercury Mariner will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercury Mariner | 2006 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Mercury | Opel |
| Model | Mariner | Astra |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2006 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2967 cc | 1910 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6550 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 302 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1925 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.2 L/100km | 6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 52 L |
