2009 Mercury Mariner vs. 1970 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 Mercury Mariner is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercury Mariner (240 HP @ 6550 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1970 Pontiac Firebird. (173 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1970 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 330 kg more than 1970 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 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 1970 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 1970 Pontiac Firebird (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mercury Mariner. (302 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1970 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mercury Mariner.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercury Mariner | 1970 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mercury | Pontiac |
| Model | Mariner | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1970 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2967 cc | 6547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6550 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 302 Nm | 421 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1926 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 76 L |
