1966 Ford Zephyr vs. 2009 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2009 Mercury Mariner is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Ford Zephyr. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Ford Zephyr would be higher. At 2,501 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mercury Mariner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercury Mariner (151 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1966 Ford Zephyr. (105 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1966 Ford Zephyr. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 532 kg more than 1966 Ford Zephyr. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1966 Ford Zephyr is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1966 Ford Zephyr. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Mariner, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1966 Ford Zephyr (180 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mercury Mariner. (137 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1966 Ford Zephyr will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mercury Mariner.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Ford Zephyr | 2009 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Zephyr | Mariner |
| Year Released | 1966 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 2501 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 151 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1832 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 2630 mm |
