2009 Mercury Mariner vs. 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado
To start off, 2009 Mercury Mariner is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercury Mariner (172 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado. (163 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 180 kg more than 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado 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 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado. 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, 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado (373 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mercury Mariner. (232 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mercury Mariner.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercury Mariner | 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado | |
| Make | Mercury | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Mariner | Toronado |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2488 cc | 5736 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 232 Nm | 373 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.2 mm | 103.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 85.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1925 kg | 1745 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 5230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2910 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 76 L |
