1982 Mercury LN7 vs. 1997 TVR Speed 12
To start off, 1997 TVR Speed 12 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Mercury LN7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Mercury LN7 would be higher. At 7,730 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 TVR Speed 12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 TVR Speed 12 (800 HP @ 8250 RPM) has 730 more horse power than 1982 Mercury LN7. (70 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 TVR Speed 12 should accelerate faster than 1982 Mercury LN7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 TVR Speed 12 weights approximately 24 kg more than 1982 Mercury LN7. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 TVR Speed 12 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 1997 TVR Speed 12. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 Mercury LN7, 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, 1997 TVR Speed 12 (881 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 760 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Mercury LN7. (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 TVR Speed 12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Mercury LN7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Mercury LN7 | 1997 TVR Speed 12 | |
| Make | Mercury | TVR |
| Model | LN7 | Speed 12 |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 7730 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 800 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 8250 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 881 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 12.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 150 km/hour | 337 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 978 kg | 1002 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2650 mm |
