1971 Mazda RX-2 vs. 2010 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2010 Mercury Mariner is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mazda RX-2. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mazda RX-2 would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Mercury Mariner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mercury Mariner (171 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1971 Mazda RX-2. (118 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1971 Mazda RX-2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 555 kg more than 1971 Mazda RX-2. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Mazda RX-2 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 1971 Mazda RX-2. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 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, 2010 Mercury Mariner (232 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Mazda RX-2. (158 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2010 Mercury Mariner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Mazda RX-2.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Mazda RX-2 | 2010 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | RX-2 | Mariner |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2292 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 158 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1515 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1806 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1727 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2619 mm |
