1996 Mazda RX-7 vs. 2011 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2011 Mercury Mariner is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mazda RX-7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mazda RX-7 would be higher. At 2,616 cc, 1996 Mazda RX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mazda RX-7 (238 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 2011 Mercury Mariner. (171 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 2011 Mercury Mariner. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 213 kg more than 1996 Mazda RX-7.
Because 1996 Mazda RX-7 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 1996 Mazda RX-7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 1996 Mazda RX-7 (296 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mercury Mariner. (232 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 Mazda RX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mercury Mariner.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mazda RX-7 | 2011 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | RX-7 | Mariner |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2616 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 296 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1302 kg | 1515 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4458 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1806 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1778 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2619 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 77 L | 62 L |
