2009 Mercury Mariner vs. 1966 Wartburg 353
To start off, 2009 Mercury Mariner is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Wartburg 353. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Wartburg 353 would be higher. At 2,488 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mercury Mariner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercury Mariner (171 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 1966 Wartburg 353. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1966 Wartburg 353. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 965 kg more than 1966 Wartburg 353. 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 1966 Wartburg 353. 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 (232 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Wartburg 353. (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercury Mariner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Wartburg 353. 2009 Mercury Mariner has automatic transmission and 1966 Wartburg 353 has manual transmission. 1966 Wartburg 353 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercury Mariner will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercury Mariner | 1966 Wartburg 353 | |
| Make | Mercury | Wartburg |
| Model | Mariner | 353 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2488 cc | 992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 232 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1925 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 43 L |
