1978 Buick Regal 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 Regal. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Buick Regal would be higher. At 3,214 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Buick Regal is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercury Mariner (151 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1978 Buick Regal. (90 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Regal. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 402 kg more than 1978 Buick Regal. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Buick Regal 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 Regal. 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 Regal (224 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mercury Mariner. (137 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1978 Buick Regal will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mercury Mariner.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Buick Regal | 2009 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Buick | Mercury |
| Model | Regal | Mariner |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3214 cc | 2501 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 151 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1832 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2630 mm |
