2009 Mercury Mariner vs. 1971 Mercury Comet
To start off, 2009 Mercury Mariner is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercury Comet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercury Comet would be higher. At 2,782 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercury Mariner (171 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1971 Mercury Comet. (82 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1971 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 701 kg more than 1971 Mercury Comet. 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 1971 Mercury Comet. 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 (233 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Mercury Comet. (178 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2009 Mercury Mariner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Mercury Comet. 2009 Mercury Mariner has automatic transmission and 1971 Mercury Comet has manual transmission. 1971 Mercury Comet 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 | 1971 Mercury Comet | |
| Make | Mercury | Mercury |
| Model | Mariner | Comet |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2488 cc | 2782 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 233 Nm | 178 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1925 kg | 1224 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2800 mm |
