1979 Buick Electra vs. 2009 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2009 Mercury Mariner is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Buick Electra would be higher. At 4,942 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercury Mariner (151 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1979 Buick Electra. (138 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1979 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 107 kg more than 1979 Buick Electra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Buick Electra 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 1979 Buick Electra. 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, 1979 Buick Electra (320 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 183 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mercury Mariner. (137 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1979 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mercury Mariner.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Buick Electra | 2009 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Buick | Mercury |
| Model | Electra | Mariner |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2501 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 151 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1725 kg | 1832 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2630 mm |
