1976 Dodge Aspen vs. 2008 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2008 Mercury Mariner is newer by 32 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 3,685 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Dodge Aspen is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercury Mariner (133 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1976 Dodge Aspen. (108 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1976 Dodge Aspen. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 440 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, 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, 1976 Dodge Aspen (244 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mercury Mariner. (168 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1976 Dodge Aspen will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mercury Mariner. 2008 Mercury Mariner has automatic transmission and 1976 Dodge Aspen has manual transmission. 1976 Dodge Aspen 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:
| 1976 Dodge Aspen | 2008 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercury |
| Model | Aspen | Mariner |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3685 cc | 2299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1485 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5200 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2630 mm |
