1979 Dodge Aspen vs. 2006 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2006 Mercury Mariner is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Dodge Aspen. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Dodge Aspen would be higher. At 3,687 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Dodge Aspen is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercury Mariner (153 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1979 Dodge Aspen. (100 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1979 Dodge Aspen. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 546 kg more than 1979 Dodge Aspen. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Dodge Aspen 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 Dodge Aspen. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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 Dodge Aspen (231 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mercury Mariner. (206 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1979 Dodge Aspen will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mercury Mariner.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Dodge Aspen | 2006 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercury |
| Model | Aspen | Mariner |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3687 cc | 2299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 87.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 117.5 mm | 94 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 2011 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2630 mm |
