2009 Mercury Mariner vs. 1983 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 2009 Mercury Mariner is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Nissan Laurel 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 70 more horse power than 1983 Nissan Laurel. (102 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1983 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 855 kg more than 1983 Nissan Laurel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1983 Nissan Laurel 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 1983 Nissan Laurel. 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 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Nissan Laurel. (162 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2009 Mercury Mariner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Nissan Laurel. 2009 Mercury Mariner has automatic transmission and 1983 Nissan Laurel has manual transmission. 1983 Nissan Laurel will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercury Mariner will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercury Mariner | 1983 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Mercury | Nissan |
| Model | Mariner | Laurel |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1983 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2488 cc | 1952 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 232 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1925 kg | 1070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2410 mm |
