1977 Dodge Aspen vs. 2009 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2009 Mercury Mariner is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Dodge Aspen. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Dodge Aspen would be higher. At 3,687 cc (6 cylinders), 1977 Dodge Aspen is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercury Mariner (240 HP @ 6550 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 1977 Dodge Aspen. (100 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1977 Dodge Aspen. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 460 kg more than 1977 Dodge Aspen. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1977 Dodge Aspen 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 1977 Dodge Aspen. 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, 2009 Mercury Mariner (302 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Dodge Aspen. (231 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2009 Mercury Mariner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Dodge Aspen.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Dodge Aspen | 2009 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercury |
| Model | Aspen | Mariner |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3687 cc | 2967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6550 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 302 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2630 mm |
