1978 Buick Estate vs. 2009 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2009 Mercury Mariner is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Buick Estate. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Buick Estate would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Buick Estate is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercury Mariner (240 HP @ 6550 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1978 Buick Estate. (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Estate. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 46 kg more than 1978 Buick Estate. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Buick Estate 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 1978 Buick Estate. 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, 1978 Buick Estate (381 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mercury Mariner. (302 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1978 Buick Estate will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mercury Mariner.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Buick Estate | 2009 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Buick | Mercury |
| Model | Estate | Mariner |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 2967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 6550 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 302 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1880 kg | 1926 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5510 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2630 mm |
