2009 Mercury Mariner vs. 1978 Toyota Starlet
To start off, 2009 Mercury Mariner is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Toyota Starlet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Toyota Starlet would be higher. At 2,488 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mercury Mariner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercury Mariner (172 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Starlet. (55 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Starlet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 1150 kg more than 1978 Toyota Starlet. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Toyota Starlet 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 1978 Toyota Starlet. 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, 2009 Mercury Mariner (232 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 148 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Starlet. (84 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2009 Mercury Mariner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Starlet. 2009 Mercury Mariner has automatic transmission and 1978 Toyota Starlet has manual transmission. 1978 Toyota Starlet 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 | 1978 Toyota Starlet | |
Make | Mercury | Toyota |
Model | Mariner | Starlet |
Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2488 cc | 1166 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 172 HP | 55 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 232 Nm | 84 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1925 kg | 775 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 3690 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1530 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1390 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2310 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 70 L |