1978 Nissan Laurel 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 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Nissan Laurel 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 (171 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1978 Nissan Laurel. (97 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1978 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 375 kg more than 1978 Nissan Laurel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Nissan Laurel 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 Nissan Laurel. 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, 2010 Mercury Mariner (232 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Nissan Laurel. (147 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2010 Mercury Mariner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Nissan Laurel. 2010 Mercury Mariner has automatic transmission and 1978 Nissan Laurel has manual transmission. 1978 Nissan Laurel will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Mercury Mariner will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Nissan Laurel | 2010 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Nissan | Mercury |
| Model | Laurel | Mariner |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1770 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 97 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1515 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1806 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1727 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2619 mm |
