1971 Ford Mustang vs. 2004 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2004 Mercury Mariner is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,726 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Ford Mustang (251 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 2004 Mercury Mariner. (152 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2004 Mercury Mariner. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 545 kg more than 1971 Ford Mustang.
Because 2004 Mercury Mariner is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1971 Ford Mustang. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2004 Mercury Mariner (206 Nm) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Ford Mustang. (146 Nm). This means 2004 Mercury Mariner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Ford Mustang. 2004 Mercury Mariner has automatic transmission and 1971 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 1971 Ford Mustang will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Mercury Mariner will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Ford Mustang | 2004 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Mustang | Mariner |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4726 cc | 2260 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.9 mm | 94 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1545 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2630 mm |
