1979 Mercury Cougar 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 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercury Mariner (153 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1979 Mercury Cougar. (134 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 70 kg more than 1979 Mercury Cougar. 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 Mercury Cougar. 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 Mercury Cougar (336 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mercury Mariner. (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1979 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mercury Mariner.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mercury Cougar | 2009 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Mercury | Mercury |
| Model | Cougar | Mariner |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 336 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1855 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2630 mm |
