2009 Mercury Mariner vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2009 Mercury Mariner is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Volkswagen Passat 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 (171 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (128 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 575 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mercury Mariner. (232 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mercury Mariner. 2009 Mercury Mariner has automatic transmission and 2008 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2008 Volkswagen Passat 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 | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mariner | Passat |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2488 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 232 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1925 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.2 L/100km | 6.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 62 L |
