1979 GMC Suburban 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 GMC Suburban. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 GMC Suburban would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 GMC Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercury Mariner (240 HP @ 6550 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1979 GMC Suburban. (129 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1979 GMC Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 GMC Suburban weights approximately 307 kg more than 2009 Mercury Mariner.
Because 1979 GMC Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Mercury Mariner. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 GMC Suburban 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 (302 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 GMC Suburban. (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercury Mariner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 GMC Suburban.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 GMC Suburban | 2009 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | GMC | Mercury |
| Model | Suburban | Mariner |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2009 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 2967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6550 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 302 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2232 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2630 mm |
