1978 Bristol 412 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 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, both vehicles can yield 171 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Bristol 412 weights approximately 175 kg more than 2010 Mercury Mariner.
Because 1978 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 1978 Bristol 412. 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 Bristol 412 (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Mercury Mariner. (232 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1978 Bristol 412 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Mercury Mariner.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Bristol 412 | 2010 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercury |
| Model | 412 | Mariner |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1515 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1806 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1727 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2619 mm |
