Model Year | 2006 | 2008 | |
Model | Mercury Mariner | Volkswagen Passat | |
Engine | 3.0L V6 DOHC-4v 200 hp@6000 193 lb-ft@4850 |
3.6L V6 DOHC-4v 280 hp@6200 265 lb-ft@2750 |
|
Transmission | 4-speed automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | |
Body | 4dr SUV | 4dr Wagon | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 103.2 in | 106.7 in | -3.5 in |
Length | 174.9 in | 188.0 in | -13.1 in |
Width | 70.1 in | 71.7 in | -1.6 in |
Height | 68.0 in | 59.7 in | 8.3 in |
Curb Weight | 3484 lb. | 3997 lb. | -513 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 16.5 gal. | 18.5 gal. | -2 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 40.4 in | 38.3 in | 2.1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 56.8 in | 55.7 in | 1.1 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 53.5 in | 0.0 in | 53.5 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 41.6 in | 41.4 in | 0.2 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 39.2 in | 38.6 in | 0.6 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 55.9 in | 54.6 in | 1.3 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 49.1 in | 0.0 in | 49.1 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 35.6 in | 37.7 in | -2.1 in |
Total Legroom | 77.2 in (over 2 rows) | 79.1 in (over 2 rows) | -1.9 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 29.3 ft3 | 35.8 ft3 | -6.5 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 66.3 ft3 | 61.7 ft3 | 4.6 ft3 |
2006 Mercury Mariner Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2007 | 4dr SUV 200-horsepower 3.0L V6 4-speed automatic AWD |
The seats have plush cushioning, lumbar control and position control. The seats are leather/vinyl (I think leather, but not sure) with center punched suede allowing some air circulation. All good for greater comfort on long trips see full Mercury Mariner review |
2006 Mercury Mariner Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2006 | 4dr SUV 133-horsepower 2.3L I4 Hybrid CVT AWD |
Rear seat room is limited, seats firm, but little side support see full Mercury Mariner review |
2005 | 4dr SUV 153-horsepower 2.3L I4 4-speed automatic AWD |
For long drives even with leather it can get uncomfortable. A little more support and padding would be good in the seat. see full Mercury Mariner review |
2008 Volkswagen Passat Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2008 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Passat provided more interior space especially in the rear than the Audi A4 see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Extremely comfortable front drivers seat w/ 12 way electronic adjustment. Able to find perfect driving position. Very little fatigue even after 12 - 14 hours of driving (taking breaks for food / gas of course). Lumbar adjusts both up/down and in/out. see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Lots of rear legroom and space for car seats. see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2008 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Compared to other sporty wagons (BMW, Subaru) the Passat has about 3" more rear leg room - enough to put my full-size parents and/or friends in the back seat without making them do contortions. Easier to get a child in and out of a rear safety seat, too. see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2008 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
This version of the Passat can easily fit 3 across seating in the rear see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2008 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
More than large enough for American size bodies! see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Well bolstered seat, best seat heaters I ever had (have had Land Rovers and own a SAAB). see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2007 | 4dr Wagon 280-horsepower 3.6L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
larger than chief competitors (BMW 3 series, Audi A4) see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2008 Volkswagen Passat Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2009 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 6-speed manual FWD |
very restrictive space see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
No thigh support, not as comfortable as my 2000 Passat see full Volkswagen Passat review |