2009 Mercury Mariner vs. 1981 Volvo 343
To start off, 2009 Mercury Mariner is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Volvo 343. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volvo 343 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 102 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 935 kg more than 1981 Volvo 343. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Volvo 343 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 Volvo 343. 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 124 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 343. (108 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Mercury Mariner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 343.
Compare all specifications:
2009 Mercury Mariner | 1981 Volvo 343 | |
Make | Mercury | Volvo |
Model | Mariner | 343 |
Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2488 cc | 1397 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 172 HP | 70 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 232 Nm | 108 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1925 kg | 990 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4210 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1670 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1400 mm |