2009 Mercury Mariner vs. 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight
To start off, 2009 Mercury Mariner is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight would be higher. At 4,129 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercury Mariner (151 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 77 kg more than 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight 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 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. 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, 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (278 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mercury Mariner. (137 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mercury Mariner.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercury Mariner | 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight | |
| Make | Mercury | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Mariner | Ninety-Eight |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2501 cc | 4129 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 151 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 278 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1832 kg | 1755 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 3030 mm |
