1979 Lincoln Continental 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 Lincoln Continental. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Lincoln Continental would be higher. At 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Lincoln Continental is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercury Mariner (153 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1979 Lincoln Continental. (138 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1979 Lincoln Continental. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 25 kg more than 1979 Lincoln Continental. 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 Lincoln Continental. 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 Lincoln Continental (359 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 175 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mercury Mariner. (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1979 Lincoln Continental will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mercury Mariner.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Lincoln Continental | 2009 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Lincoln | Mercury |
| Model | Continental | Mariner |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5766 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 359 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1900 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5570 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2990 mm | 2630 mm |
