2009 Mercury Mariner vs. 1973 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 Mercury Mariner is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 7,462 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Pontiac Firebird (296 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 2009 Mercury Mariner. (240 HP @ 6550 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2009 Mercury Mariner. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 175 kg more than 1973 Pontiac Firebird.
Because 2009 Mercury Mariner is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1973 Pontiac Firebird. 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, 1973 Pontiac Firebird (563 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 261 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mercury Mariner. (302 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1973 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 | 1973 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mercury | Pontiac |
| Model | Mariner | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1973 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2967 cc | 7462 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6550 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 302 Nm | 563 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3200 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 | 1750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4870 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 |
