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 (151 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 17 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. 1979 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 23 kg more than 2009 Mercury Mariner.
Because 1979 Mercury Cougar 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 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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 Mercury Cougar (336 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 199 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mercury Mariner. (137 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 | 2501 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 151 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 336 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1855 kg | 1832 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 |
