1976 Dodge Aspen vs. 2004 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2004 Mercury Mariner is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Dodge Aspen. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Dodge Aspen would be higher. At 3,687 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Dodge Aspen is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercury Mariner (197 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1976 Dodge Aspen. (101 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1976 Dodge Aspen. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 105 kg more than 1976 Dodge Aspen. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 Dodge Aspen 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 1976 Dodge Aspen. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2004 Mercury Mariner (262 Nm @ 4850 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Dodge Aspen. (231 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2004 Mercury Mariner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Dodge Aspen.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Dodge Aspen | 2004 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercury |
| Model | Aspen | Mariner |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3687 cc | 2999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 262 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4850 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 117.5 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2630 mm |
