1979 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 2004 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2004 Mercury Mariner is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Chevrolet Caprice. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Chevrolet Caprice would be higher. At 4,392 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercury Mariner (197 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1979 Chevrolet Caprice. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1979 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 74 kg more than 2004 Mercury Mariner.
Because 1979 Chevrolet Caprice 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 Chevrolet Caprice. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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 Chevrolet Caprice (278 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mercury Mariner. (262 Nm @ 4850 RPM). This means 1979 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mercury Mariner.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Chevrolet Caprice | 2004 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercury |
| Model | Caprice | Mariner |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4392 cc | 2999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 262 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4850 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1644 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5390 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2630 mm |
