1990 Pontiac Trans Am vs. 2011 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2011 Mercury Mariner is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Pontiac Trans Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Pontiac Trans Am would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1990 Pontiac Trans Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Pontiac Trans Am (235 HP) has 64 more horse power than 2011 Mercury Mariner. (171 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Pontiac Trans Am should accelerate faster than 2011 Mercury Mariner. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Pontiac Trans Am weights approximately 166 kg more than 2011 Mercury Mariner. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 Pontiac Trans Am 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 1990 Pontiac Trans Am. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 1990 Pontiac Trans Am (447 Nm) has 215 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mercury Mariner. (232 Nm). This means 1990 Pontiac Trans Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mercury Mariner.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Pontiac Trans Am | 2011 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Pontiac | Mercury |
| Model | Trans Am | Mariner |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 235 HP | 171 HP |
| Torque | 447 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1681 kg | 1515 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1806 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1727 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2619 mm |
