1977 Bristol 412 vs. 2009 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2009 Mercury Mariner is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Bristol 412. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Bristol 412 would be higher. At 5,898 cc (8 cylinders), 1977 Bristol 412 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercury Mariner (240 HP @ 6550 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1977 Bristol 412. (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1977 Bristol 412. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 236 kg more than 1977 Bristol 412. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1977 Bristol 412 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 1977 Bristol 412. 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, 1977 Bristol 412 (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mercury Mariner. (302 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1977 Bristol 412 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mercury Mariner.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Bristol 412 | 2009 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercury |
| Model | 412 | Mariner |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 2967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6550 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 302 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1926 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2630 mm |
