1998 Lexus SC vs. 2008 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2008 Mercury Mariner is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Lexus SC. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Lexus SC would be higher. At 2,997 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Lexus SC is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lexus SC (225 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 2008 Mercury Mariner. (133 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lexus SC should accelerate faster than 2008 Mercury Mariner. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 450 kg more than 1998 Lexus SC.
Because 1998 Lexus SC 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 1998 Lexus SC. 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, 1998 Lexus SC (290 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mercury Mariner. (168 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1998 Lexus SC will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mercury Mariner. 2008 Mercury Mariner has automatic transmission and 1998 Lexus SC has manual transmission. 1998 Lexus SC will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercury Mariner will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Lexus SC | 2008 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Lexus | Mercury |
| Model | SC | Mariner |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2997 cc | 2299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 225 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 290 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 87.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 94 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1475 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2630 mm |
