2006 Mercury Mariner vs. 1998 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2006 Mercury Mariner is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 3,352 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercury Mariner (153 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1998 Pontiac Firebird. (146 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1998 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 397 kg more than 1998 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Mercury Mariner is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 1998 Pontiac Firebird (257 Nm @ 3150 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mercury Mariner. (206 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1998 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 | 1998 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mercury | Pontiac |
| Model | Mariner | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1998 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2262 cc | 3352 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 257 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3150 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1925 kg | 1528 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2570 mm |
