1978 Holden Sunbird 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 Holden Sunbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Holden Sunbird 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 (171 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1978 Holden Sunbird. (96 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1978 Holden Sunbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 765 kg more than 1978 Holden Sunbird. 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 1978 Holden Sunbird. 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 (232 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Holden Sunbird. (157 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2009 Mercury Mariner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Holden Sunbird. 2009 Mercury Mariner has automatic transmission and 1978 Holden Sunbird has manual transmission. 1978 Holden Sunbird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercury Mariner will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Holden Sunbird | 2009 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Holden | Mercury |
| Model | Sunbird | Mariner |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1897 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2630 mm |
