1985 Mercury Lynx vs. 1974 Rover 3.5
To start off, 1985 Mercury Lynx is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Rover 3.5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Rover 3.5 would be higher. At 3,532 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Rover 3.5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Rover 3.5 (149 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1985 Mercury Lynx. (89 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Rover 3.5 should accelerate faster than 1985 Mercury Lynx. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Rover 3.5 weights approximately 613 kg more than 1985 Mercury Lynx. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Rover 3.5 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 1974 Rover 3.5. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Mercury Lynx, 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, 1974 Rover 3.5 (276 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mercury Lynx. (144 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1974 Rover 3.5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Mercury Lynx.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Mercury Lynx | 1974 Rover 3.5 | |
| Make | Mercury | Rover |
| Model | Lynx | 3.5 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1859 cc | 3532 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 276 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1638 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2820 mm |
