2006 Mercury Mariner vs. 1974 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2006 Mercury Mariner is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Pontiac Firebird (285 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 2006 Mercury Mariner. (153 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2006 Mercury Mariner. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 415 kg more than 1974 Pontiac Firebird.
Because 1974 Pontiac Firebird 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 1974 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 1974 Pontiac Firebird (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 215 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mercury Mariner. (206 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1974 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mercury Mariner.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mercury Mariner | 1974 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mercury | Pontiac |
| Model | Mariner | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1974 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2299 cc | 6547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 285 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 421 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.4 mm | 104.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2011 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 76 L |
