2009 Mercury Mariner vs. 1978 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2009 Mercury Mariner is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 4,941 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercury Mariner (153 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1978 Mercury Cougar. (133 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 70 kg more than 1978 Mercury Cougar. 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 1978 Mercury Cougar. 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, 1978 Mercury Cougar (336 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mercury Mariner. (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1978 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 | 1978 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Mercury | Mercury |
| Model | Mariner | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2488 cc | 4941 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 184 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1925 kg | 1855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2910 mm |
