1973 Fiat 500 vs. 2009 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2009 Mercury Mariner is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Fiat 500 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 (153 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 135 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 1400 kg more than 1973 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Mercury Mariner is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1973 Fiat 500. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Mercury Mariner (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 147 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 500. (37 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 Mercury Mariner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Fiat 500 | 2009 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercury |
| Model | 500 | Mariner |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 594 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 37 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 525 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2630 mm |
