1978 Alfa Romeo Alfetta vs. 2011 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2011 Mercury Mariner is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfetta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfetta would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mercury Mariner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercury Mariner (171 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfetta. (144 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 165 kg more than 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfetta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2011 Mercury Mariner (232 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfetta. (169 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 Mercury Mariner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfetta. 2011 Mercury Mariner has automatic transmission and 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfetta has manual transmission. 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfetta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mercury Mariner will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfetta | 2011 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercury |
| Model | Alfetta | Mariner |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 144 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1515 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4458 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1806 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1778 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2619 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 62 L |
