1981 Fiat Panda vs. 2009 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2009 Mercury Mariner is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Fiat Panda. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Fiat Panda would be higher. At 2,967 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Mercury Mariner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercury Mariner (240 HP @ 6550 RPM) has 206 more horse power than 1981 Fiat Panda. (34 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 1235 kg more than 1981 Fiat Panda. 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 1981 Fiat Panda. 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, 2009 Mercury Mariner (302 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 244 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat Panda. (58 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercury Mariner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat Panda.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Fiat Panda | 2009 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercury |
| Model | Panda | Mariner |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 843 cc | 2967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6550 RPM |
| Torque | 58 Nm | 302 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 690 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1500 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2170 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 62 L |
