2009 Mercury Mariner vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 Mercury Mariner is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 2009 Mercury Mariner. (171 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2009 Mercury Mariner. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 300 kg more than 1979 Pontiac Firebird.
Because 2009 Mercury Mariner is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. 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, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 226 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mercury Mariner. (233 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mercury Mariner.
Compare all specifications:
2009 Mercury Mariner | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Mercury | Pontiac |
Model | Mariner | Firebird |
Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2488 cc | 4942 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 171 HP | 200 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 233 Nm | 459 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1925 kg | 1625 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 5010 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1260 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2750 mm |