2009 Mercury Mariner vs. 1973 Rover 3.5 Litre
To start off, 2009 Mercury Mariner is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Rover 3.5 Litre. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Rover 3.5 Litre would be higher. At 3,532 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Rover 3.5 Litre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercury Mariner (170 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1973 Rover 3.5 Litre. (150 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1973 Rover 3.5 Litre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 290 kg more than 1973 Rover 3.5 Litre. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 Rover 3.5 Litre 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 1973 Rover 3.5 Litre. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 1973 Rover 3.5 Litre (276 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mercury Mariner. (171 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1973 Rover 3.5 Litre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mercury Mariner. 1973 Rover 3.5 Litre has automatic transmission and 2009 Mercury Mariner has manual transmission. 2009 Mercury Mariner will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Rover 3.5 Litre will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercury Mariner | 1973 Rover 3.5 Litre | |
| Make | Mercury | Rover |
| Model | Mariner | 3.5 Litre |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2501 cc | 3532 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 276 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1925 kg | 1635 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2820 mm |
