1979 Chevrolet Caprice 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 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, 2009 Mercury Mariner (171 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1979 Chevrolet Caprice. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1979 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 281 kg more than 1979 Chevrolet Caprice. 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 1979 Chevrolet Caprice. 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, 1979 Chevrolet Caprice (278 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mercury Mariner. (232 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1979 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mercury Mariner.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Chevrolet Caprice | 2009 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercury |
| Model | Caprice | Mariner |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4392 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1644 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5390 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2630 mm |
