1954 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 2008 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2008 Mercury Mariner is newer by 54 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Austin-Healey 100. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Austin-Healey 100 would be higher. At 2,660 cc (4 cylinders), 1954 Austin-Healey 100 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercury Mariner (153 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1954 Austin-Healey 100. (90 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1954 Austin-Healey 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 887 kg more than 1954 Austin-Healey 100. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1954 Austin-Healey 100 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 1954 Austin-Healey 100. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Mercury Mariner (206 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Austin-Healey 100. (144 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2008 Mercury Mariner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Austin-Healey 100. 2008 Mercury Mariner has automatic transmission and 1954 Austin-Healey 100 has manual transmission. 1954 Austin-Healey 100 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercury Mariner will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Austin-Healey 100 | 2008 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Mercury |
| Model | 100 | Mariner |
| Year Released | 1954 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2660 cc | 2298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 87.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 94 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1832 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2630 mm |
