1978 Honda Prelude vs. 2009 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2009 Mercury Mariner is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Honda Prelude. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Honda Prelude would be higher. At 2,967 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Mercury Mariner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercury Mariner (240 HP @ 6550 RPM) has 151 more horse power than 1978 Honda Prelude. (89 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1978 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 1035 kg more than 1978 Honda Prelude. 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, 2009 Mercury Mariner (302 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 161 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Honda Prelude. (141 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercury Mariner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Honda Prelude | 2009 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Honda | Mercury |
| Model | Prelude | Mariner |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1750 cc | 2967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6550 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 302 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 62 L |
