1978 Bristol 412 vs. 2006 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2006 Mercury Mariner is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Bristol 412. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Bristol 412 would be higher. At 5,898 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Bristol 412 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Bristol 412 (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 2006 Mercury Mariner. (153 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Bristol 412 should accelerate faster than 2006 Mercury Mariner. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 235 kg more than 1978 Bristol 412.
Because 2006 Mercury Mariner is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Bristol 412. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Mercury Mariner will offer significantly more control. 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 Bristol 412 (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mercury Mariner. (206 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1978 Bristol 412 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mercury Mariner.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Bristol 412 | 2006 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercury |
| Model | 412 | Mariner |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 2262 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.9 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2630 mm |
