1988 Lexus LS vs. 2008 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2008 Mercury Mariner is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Lexus LS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Lexus LS would be higher. At 3,969 cc (8 cylinders), 1988 Lexus LS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lexus LS (242 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 2008 Mercury Mariner. (133 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lexus LS should accelerate faster than 2008 Mercury Mariner. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 110 kg more than 1988 Lexus LS.
Because 1988 Lexus LS 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 1988 Lexus LS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 1988 Lexus LS (350 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 182 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mercury Mariner. (168 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1988 Lexus LS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mercury Mariner.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lexus LS | 2008 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Lexus | Mercury |
| Model | LS | Mariner |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3969 cc | 2299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 242 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2630 mm |
