2009 Mercury Mariner vs. 1974 NSU 1000
To start off, 2009 Mercury Mariner is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 NSU 1000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 NSU 1000 would be higher. At 2,488 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mercury Mariner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercury Mariner (172 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 1974 NSU 1000. (38 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1974 NSU 1000. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 1265 kg more than 1974 NSU 1000. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 NSU 1000 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 NSU 1000. 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, 2009 Mercury Mariner (232 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 NSU 1000. (70 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 Mercury Mariner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 NSU 1000. 2009 Mercury Mariner has automatic transmission and 1974 NSU 1000 has manual transmission. 1974 NSU 1000 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercury Mariner will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercury Mariner | 1974 NSU 1000 | |
| Make | Mercury | NSU |
| Model | Mariner | 1000 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2488 cc | 994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 232 Nm | 70 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1925 kg | 660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1500 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2260 mm |
