2008 Mercury Mariner vs. 1975 Pontiac Trans Am
To start off, 2008 Mercury Mariner is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Pontiac Trans Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Pontiac Trans Am would be higher. At 6,556 cc (8 cylinders), 1975 Pontiac Trans Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Pontiac Trans Am (220 HP) has 67 more horse power than 2008 Mercury Mariner. (153 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1975 Pontiac Trans Am should accelerate faster than 2008 Mercury Mariner.
Because 1975 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 1975 Pontiac Trans Am. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 1975 Pontiac Trans Am (434 Nm) has 228 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mercury Mariner. (206 Nm). This means 1975 Pontiac Trans Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mercury Mariner. 2008 Mercury Mariner has automatic transmission and 1975 Pontiac Trans Am has manual transmission. 1975 Pontiac Trans Am will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercury Mariner will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercury Mariner | 1975 Pontiac Trans Am | |
| Make | Mercury | Pontiac |
| Model | Mariner | Trans Am |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1975 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2298 cc | 6556 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 220 HP |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.4 mm | 104.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 8.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2750 mm |
