1978 Mazda RX-2 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 Mazda RX-2. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mazda RX-2 would be higher. At 2,488 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mercury Mariner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercury Mariner (172 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1978 Mazda RX-2. (118 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda RX-2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 965 kg more than 1978 Mazda RX-2. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Mazda RX-2 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 Mazda RX-2. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Mercury Mariner (232 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda RX-2. (157 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Mercury Mariner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda RX-2.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda RX-2 | 2009 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | RX-2 | Mariner |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2290 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2630 mm |
