2009 Mercury Mariner vs. 1976 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2009 Mercury Mariner is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercury Mariner (172 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1976 Mercury Cougar. (152 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1976 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 105 kg more than 2009 Mercury Mariner.
Because 1976 Mercury Cougar 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 1976 Mercury Cougar. 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, 1976 Mercury Cougar (377 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mercury Mariner. (232 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1976 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mercury Mariner.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercury Mariner | 1976 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Mercury | Mercury |
| Model | Mariner | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1976 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2488 cc | 5766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 232 Nm | 377 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1925 kg | 2030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2910 mm |
