2009 Mercury Mariner vs. 1979 Opel Ascona
To start off, 2009 Mercury Mariner is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Opel Ascona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Opel Ascona would be higher. At 2,501 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mercury Mariner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercury Mariner (170 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1979 Opel Ascona. (142 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1979 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 843 kg more than 1979 Opel Ascona. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Opel Ascona 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 Opel Ascona. 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 Opel Ascona (210 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mercury Mariner. (171 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1979 Opel Ascona will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mercury Mariner.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercury Mariner | 1979 Opel Ascona | |
| Make | Mercury | Opel |
| Model | Mariner | Ascona |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2501 cc | 2408 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1925 kg | 1082 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2520 mm |
