1978 BMW 725 vs. 2010 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2010 Mercury Mariner is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 BMW 725. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 BMW 725 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 (177 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1978 BMW 725. (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW 725.
Because 1978 BMW 725 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 1978 BMW 725. 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, 1978 BMW 725 (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Mercury Mariner. (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1978 BMW 725 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Mercury Mariner.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 725 | 2010 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | 725 | Mariner |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1806 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1727 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2619 mm |
